Residents taking over

A HUGE problem is happening throughout the canal network and marina owners are letting it spiral out of control, writes Peter Ponting.

 

With the influx of new marinas springing up everywhere, marina owners are only too happy to fill them with whoever.

However, planning permission for a number of new marinas is granted for non-residential use only.

Breaking the law

If a marina wishes to have residential boaters, they have to, by law, seek a change in planning regulations. This must be approved before any residential boater is allowed in the marina. If they do not, they are breaking the law.

Once a marina has been granted residential status and non-residential status, the residential fraternity must be segregated, and pay the local equivalent of council tax, leaving the non residential boaters, who are the legitimate moorers, some peace and quiet.