Grant Shapps Press Release

RBOA Press Release in response to annoucement from Grant Shapps.

Statement on Residential Moorings
by the Housing Minister

Press Release Issued by
The Residential Boat Owners’ Association
29th August 2011

The Residential Boat Owners’ Association (RBOA) welcomes the press release from Grant Shapps, the Housing Minister, regarding residential boat moorings. It sees the statement as a milestone in achieving its objectives to support those who choose to live afloat on our canals, rivers and coastal estuaries. The RBOA has worked for a considerable time with government departments and navigation authorities to gain recognition of those who pursue this alternative lifestyle in a responsible and sustainable way.

The statement follows considerable work done by British Waterways, supported by the RBOA, in addressing the issues associated with residential boating. We welcome the guidance produced for developers of residential moorings and the encouragement given for them to obtain planning permission for residential berths. On the basis of Mr Shapps’ statement, the RBOA sees this process increasing in future for the benefit of all waterways users. The benefits of residential moorings are well established and include greater security, adding interest to lesser used waterways, support to the local economy and greater involvement with local communities. With the added financial benefit to local authorities from the New Homes Bonus and the simplification of the planning system, the RBOA is confident that there will be greater incentive to develop residential moorings in appropriate locations.

As well as encouraging a percentage of berths in new marinas, the RBOA is working towards small residential mooring developments utilising existing basins, disused canal arms and wharves, thus helping to provide regeneration potential. With the move to a New Waterways Charity and localism referred to by Mr Shapps, we are confident that well planned and managed residential moorings can provide a valuable income for the inland waterways. The RBOA is aware of problems associated with boats overstaying on popular on-line moorings and firmly believes that these steps, alongside firm control by BW, will contribute towards reducing this. Alan Wildman, RBOA Chairman says “ I welcome the statement by Mr Shapps as an endorsement of longstanding RBOA policy and an encouragement for the development of residential moorings which will be to the benefit of the
inland waterways”

For further information contact:
Ivor Caplan, RBOA Planning Officer, mobile 07778 685764
Alan Wildman, RBOA Chairman, mobile 07825 172021