The purpose of the Port Masterplan is to inform those who are living in, working in or visiting Torbay about proposals for the future use of Tor Bay Harbour and the three enclosed harbours of Brixham, Paignton and Torquay.
Why a Port Masterplan has been produced
In 2010 the Department for Transport (DfT) recommended that ports produce a Port Masterplan.
Tor Bay Harbour Authority supported by the Torbay Development Agency commissioned the consultant Royal HaskoningDHV to prepare a Port Masterplan for Tor Bay Harbour and the three enclosed harbours of Brixham, Paignton and Torquay in July 2012.
A Port Masterplan acts as a framework document to set the scene for the future of the port and to ensure sustainable development. It provides the spatial context to Torbay Council’s marine economy action plan and will supersede Tor Bay Harbour Authority’s existing maritime strategy.
The Port Masterplan for Tor Bay Harbour:
- forms part of the evidence base for the Local Development Framework and assists regional and local planning bodies and transport network providers in preparing and revising their own development strategies
- informs port users, employees and local communities as to how they can expect to see the port develop over the next 20 years in response to anticipated changes in the marine and tourism industries
- clarifies the port's own strategic planning for the medium to long term
- shows how the harbour authority expects to grow and develop its business over time
- indicates where changes of land-use are likely to be required to support growth
- highlights environmental measures to ensure that the Harbour Authority makes a positive contribution to the environment and amenity
The Port Masterplan covers the area within the jurisdiction of Tor Bay Harbour Authority including the Bay itself and the three enclosed harbours of Brixham, Paignton and Torquay.
This is the strategy for Tor Bay Harbour
The overarching strategy for the Tor Bay Harbour Authority is to provide a high quality service that is committed to improve Tor Bay Harbour and provide a cleaner and safer environment by addressing the following objectives:
- Maintain Tor Bay Harbour and the three enclosed harbours under the management of one Port Authority
- Review and use the statutory powers of the Harbour Authority to fulfil its statutory duties in a timely manner for the purpose of improving, maintaining and managing the harbour while continuing to contribute, where possible, to the finances of the local Council
- Develop robust partnerships with key maritime stakeholders to attract and deliver commercial port businesses contributing to job creation and the local economy
- Manage the harbour in a sustainable manner by supporting a variety of maritime activities including fishing, shipping, marine related businesses, heritage, eco-tourism and marine recreational facilities.
- Balance the responsible stewardship of the marine environment with appropriate socio-economic development and use of Tor Bay
- Measure and monitor the needs and wishes of harbour users, the local community and visitors through appropriate research
- Improve connectivity between the enclosed harbours by upgrading facilities for marine transport
