Development Strategy - North Devon District Council

Chapter 4:
Options for Development and Appraisal
4.2 ‘Do Nothing’ assumptions
4.1 Introduction
4.1.1 This Chapter sets out a range of options for development, which have
been considered for each of the 4 identified areas of the harbour (Fig.
4). These areas have been selected for their distinct geographical and
environmental characteristics and variety of development potential.
Their boundaries are not fixed and when considering options they will
inevitably overlap with adjacent areas. Each will be considered
separately, but always with the understanding that any individual
development must eventually contribute to the whole. Through this
logical sequence the Board has carried out a robust assessment of the
alternatives and arrived at a definitive Development Strategy.
4.1.2 There have been many development and regeneration proposals for
Ilfracombe Harbour and these are the subject of reports and studies
undertaken by Independent Consultants (Annex A). All previous
reports have been consulted in preparing the final preferred
Development Strategy, which has been widely consulted upon with the
key Stakeholders. Agreement between all parties allows the strategy to
form the basis of a co-ordinated development vision. The intention of
the Strategy is that all development has to be achievable, sustainable
and economically viable and provide the optimum result for
operational safety and the well being of stakeholders and visitors.
4.1.3 An overall summary of the development areas will include:
• A development appraisal giving the options for discussion.
• An assessment of viable projects that contribute to the Strategic
Aim and Strategic Objectives of the IHB.
• A Summary of Options appraisal which considers:
o
o
o
o
Economic Impact
Sustainability
Urban design
Consultation with key stakeholders
4.2.1 The baseline assessment from which development potential has been
measured is that of, ‘Do Nothing’. That is that there will be no
appreciable development within the Harbour Authority area and that
the Harbour remains as it is in 2012. The implications of, ‘Do
Nothing’ are summarised as follows:
• Changes to Commercial Fishing techniques and regulation could
reduce the ability of the harbour to provide a base for operations.
• Maritime transport services could choose other ports for their
operations.
• The number of leisure craft using the Harbour remains static.
• Tourist footfall increases due to economic influences and
conflict between vehicles and pedestrians increases.
• Marine sports activities demand more space and facilities.
• The harbour is not used as an operations and maintenance base
for offshore energy projects.
• Cruise operators consider that the use of tenders in open sea
conditions is too dangerous and stop calling.
• Old Quay Head deteriorates further and has to be closed to the
public and as a Working Quay.
• Climate change results in seasonal flooding of quays and harbour
business and residential properties.
• Housing and commercial developments will use up valuable land
adjacent to the Harbour further reducing options for marine
development.
• Unrelated development of the Bus Station site may restrict
vehicular access further.
IHB’s Development Strategy Version 1 dated 10th April 2012
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