Two yacht clubs are celebrating after securing approval for the proposed Prince Philip Yacht Haven development on the River Hamble.

The Royal Southern Yacht Club and Royal Air Force Yacht Club have gained Harbour Works Consent, Planning Permission and a Marine Licence from the local regulatory authorities.

The Prince Philip Yacht Haven, scheduled to open in the 2014 sailing season, aims to deliver market-leading facilities to
the combined 2,500 members, disabled and youth sailors, as well as providing improved event hosting capability and additional facilities
for the local community.

Specialist consultancy Marina Projects Limited was the lead consultant throughout an extensive feasibility, design and consultation process that has been undertaken over the last 18 months.
 
Mark Inkster, immediate past commodore for the Royal Southern, said: ‘A great deal of work has gone into every detail of the application process and Marina Projects has provided a truly superb service, and exceeded our expectations at every stage.

‘We have tried in the past to unlock permission for developing our on-water facilities and failed.

‘A recurring theme of the application process was the recognition of the quality, thoroughness and professionalism of the application documentation particularly by the regulatory authorities including Eastleigh Borough Council, the River Hamble Management Committee and Harbour Board.

‘I am in no doubt that without the capabilities of the Marina Projects team and their in-depth knowledge of the consent regime, this success would not have been possible.

‘We are looking forward to continuing our working relationship with them as we proceed to deliver the approved scheme.’

Key elements of the Prince Philip Yacht Haven application included production of a consent strategy and a detailed Navigation Risk Assessment that demonstrated how navigational safety was improved by the scheme.

A full package of environmental mitigation was agreed with the relevant authorities prior to submission of the applications.
 
Mike Ward, project director at Marina Projects Ltd said: ‘This really is fantastic news for both clubs and underpins the vital contribution that they make to the river and local economy.

‘The partnership approach adopted by the clubs, their desire to deliver a project with a wide range of benefits and a genuine commitment to an extensive consultation process was vitally important to achieving the consent success.’
 
Development of the consented scheme will include:
·       Capital dredging
·       Replacement of a failing quay wall structure
·       Construction of a full tidal access slipway
·       Development of fully serviced walk ashore pontoons
·       A purpose built disabled berth complete with personnel hoist – the first on the Hamble

With these key consents now granted, the Royal Southern and RAF Yacht Clubs can move forward with the next step in delivering their new, world-class mooring facility.

Picture: An artists impression of the proposed Prince Philip Yacht Haven on the River Hamble