News

June 2009

Last year the dredging of the North Quay area was halted because of problems related to the contamination of the mud.  In September 2008, representatives of the Topsham Society met with Jack Nott, River and Canal Manager for Exeter City Council, to discuss the position on the dredging and proposed improvements to the North Quay area.  Jack Nott showed us draft plans prepared by Exeter City Council for a launching ramp to be built alongside the North Quay, with access from Ferry Road.  The ramp would be approx 40 metres long, reaching down to the front of the Quay, and with a level area near Ferry Road.  It would have a hard surface and the contaminated mud would be encased inside the structure.  The width of the ramp would depend on the amount of contaminated mud, but it would cover most of the area between the Quay and the adjacent residential property, The Warehouse. 

We told Jack Nott that The Topsham Society has always supported measures that would encourage maritime use of the Quay and we wanted to see a clear-up of the present unsightly area.  The present proposals would help achieve both these objectives, but the management and operation of the ramp and the traffic impact of vehicles using it, are important areas for further discussion and consideration.

Jack Nott has now given us a further progress report.  Drawings have been produced for the proposed slipway (including the encasement of the contaminated mud) and these are due to be discussed with the Harbour Commissioners in the near future.  A number of approvals will be necessary, but Natural England has indicated that it is happy with the proposal, and that is a good sign.  Once the plans have been approved by the Harbour Commissioners they will be circulated for comment to The Topsham Society and adjacent property owners, before the submission of a Planning Application.

We understand, however, that the cost of the project is anticipated to be about £100,000 and so funding will be a real issue.  Sources of funding are being explored, but as things stand, it is more likely to be 2010 before real progress is made.

GEOFF WILKINSON (879107)

Back to News homepage