Council launches ‘ambitious’ 10-year harbour strategy for Scarborough, Whitby, Filey
A 10-year plan to revitalise North Yorkshire’s harbours and ‘fulfil their potential’ has been published.
Scarborough Harbour, Whitby Harbour, and Filey Coble Landing are the focus of North Yorkshire Council’s harbours strategy that aims to set out how they will develop from now until 2036.
A new consultation has been launched and once complete, the strategy will be an “ongoing and active document which will need to respond to economic, social and environmental changes as well as new policies”.
The almost 30-page policy highlights that while the harbours are a valuable resource, they face a variety of issues.
Challenges faced by the harbours include ageing infrastructure, a decline of the fishing industry, climate change, and funding gaps, while opportunities include the offshore wind supply chain, tourism, maritime training, and improved harbour facilities.
“The strategy recognises that whilst there are a number of ambitious redevelopment proposals, these will be subject to securing external grant aid or additional council funding and will be subject to the usual financial governance process at the appropriate time,” it states.
The purpose of the strategy is to provide a “working framework to ensure harbour users, local communities and key stakeholders know what they can expect regarding development of the harbours over the next 10 years, and to generate a partnership approach to the development of the harbour”.
The draft strategy and the public consultation, which is open until March 22, can be accessed on the council’s website here: https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/your-council/consultations-and-engagement/current-consultations/draft-harbours-strategy-consultation.
The harbours in Scarborough, Whitby, and Filey have faced a period of decline due to structural issues, a lack of investment and strategy, environmental challenges, and the decline of the fishing industry, the council said.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for harbours, Coun Mark Crane, said: “This strategy provides a clear roadmap to secure the long-term future of our harbours through investment, innovation, and collaboration.
“The vision will ensure that they remain cherished destinations and engaging spaces for residents, visitors and businesses.
“We want to preserve their rich maritime heritage, while promote the fishing, leisure, tourism and renewable sectors.
“I would encourage people to take part in our consultation, with your views helping to shape our ten-year plan.
“We are taking the draft plans to committees, sharing with ward members, town councils, and harbour user groups to gather a breadth of expertise.”
A meeting of North Yorkshire Council’s transport and economy overview and scrutiny committee is set to discuss the draft strategy and approve next steps on Wednesday, January 28.
The publication of a draft strategy will enable the authority to obtain views from elected members, harbour users and stakeholders to be incorporated into the final strategy, according to an agenda prepared for the meeting.
The strategy’s aims is to “fulfil the potential of Scarborough and Whitby Harbours and Filey Coble Landing, by providing safe, and sustainable facilities, which celebrate their rich maritime heritage and embrace innovation and economic growth”.
The plan adds: “Our harbours will be environmentally responsible, resilient to future challenges, and welcoming to all— offering accessible and engaging spaces for residents, visitors and businesses alike.”