BroadsAuthority

July 27, 2020

16 minutes ago, EastCoastIPA said:

Hi Tom,

Having just watched the 2hr meeting I can tell you that those times are now incorrect and were heavily amended during the meeting with the agreement of the applicant. Angie O'Connor who was present at the meeting should be able to provide the fully revised list of times that were considered as part of the application.

Hi @EastCoastIPAIPA,

Thanks for the message and yes I am aware that the applicants amended the licensing request during the meeting. As mentioned in the post above though these are the times and requests in the initial application of which the Authority was invited to formally comment on (and subsequently objected to).

For further detail on why the licensing board denied the application despite changes to the hours requested it would be better to speak to deciding representatives on the licensing board, or Broadland District Council, directly.

Best,

Tom

July 27, 2020

If anyone has managed to catch the vessel registration marks or name please contact Broads Control on 01603 756056 or Broads.Control@broads-authority.gov.uk and make a report. It would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks,

Tom

July 27, 2020

On 25/07/2020 at 22:10, Chelsea14Ian said:

When you say early hours, can I ask what time in the morning? The pub after all is in a remote part of the broads.

Morning Ian,

Apologies for the delay in response, here is a summation of the hours included in the original application (which is the application objected to), provided by our Asset Officer.

License application to:

Open café at 06:00am for breakfasts and offer suitable liquor sales all day
Live music and alcohol sales from 06:00am – 02:00am on Monday to Thursday, from 06:00am - 03:00am on Friday and Saturday, and from 06:00am - 12:00am on Sundays
Outside music to go into marquee from midnight on all days
On all bank holidays – licence extend to 04:00am for music and alcohol.
On New Years eve to New Years day, a 48hr continuous licence.
Supply of alcohol for consumption on or off the premises.

I have been informed that the consideration relating to noise pollution resulted from the late night nature of the application for live music, the fact that Berney is a low background noise area in itself, and finally that the flat marshland surroundings mean there is a likelihood that noise would travel great distances.

Best.

Edit: To clarify, the licensing hours were changed multiple times by the applicants during the hearing meeting. The above hours were ones formally objected to by the Authority. The updated hours were discussed by the hearing panel, a full video of which can be found on this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYHn1boH34A

July 25, 2020

Evening all,

As the EDP have decided to omit a large and critical section of our response to their questions from their final article, we are reproducing it below for your information.

It is worth noting that our objection to the application was solely on the grounds of noise disturbance. The hearing by BDC’s licensing panel highlighted that they were not convinced that the applicants had made enough considerations to both noise concerns and health and safety.

The decision summary can be found here: https://youtu.be/MLwOgjYH8YM and the full hearing is also available on BDC’s Youtube channel.

The Authority was approached by Broadland District Council to comment regarding a license application for a bistro in the former shop building next to the Berney Arms pub.

The Authority objected to the initial license application on grounds relating to noise disturbance - the application requested a license to serve alcohol and play music until the very early hours of the morning. The Authority therefore regarded the nature of the application to be inappropriate considering the location of the premises.

We fully appreciate the importance of the hospitality industry to the Broads, both for local residents and visitors to the area. When approached for comment on licensing applications we review each case on an individual basis and will support those that we deem to be acceptable and well-considered.

The remainder of the response to the journalist’s questions was included in the article.

July 23, 2020

24 minutes ago, Chelsea14Ian said:

Okay I have just spoken with BA,they are going to get me an answer and get back to me about there 24 hour moorings. Once they do I will pass that on.

Hi Ian,

I've just had a chat with Howard in Broads Control and so I'm replying on here on his behalf (and for the benefit of other forum members).

To answer your question, the Authority has no intention to leave the moorings at the Berney Reach.

The smaller section closer to the pub is owned by the Authority so there is no lease to run out - we have no intention of leaving here. Furthermore the larger section is leased from the RSPB, however we have no intention to lose this stretch as a 24 hour mooring either.

Hope that helps,

Tom

July 2, 2020

10 minutes ago, TheQ said:

Double mooring the outer boats crew walk over the inner boats deck and may use their handrails..

This hits the nail on the head. Double mooring will be allowed in locations where it is usually permitted as long as social distancing is followed. For example you might have a household or support bubble split over multiple vessels who wish to moor alongside each other, or you might have someone who wishes to moor alongside another vessel but not access the bank.

We've decided to not allow it at Yacht Stations as our Quay Assistants would have to climb over vessels containing two groups of people and would be in close proximity to them to help with mooring up. This isn't really feasible or sensible with the current social distancing guidelines.

Best,

Tom

June 23, 2020

Hi all,

Today's statement below, more details over coming days.

Following the Government announcement on 23 June regarding the easing of lockdown restrictions, the Broads Authority is pleased to welcome back private owners and hirers for overnight stays on boats in the Broads area from 4 July onwards.

Those who are planning to stay overnight on their boat or to hire a vessel must follow the Government instructions on social distancing and local safety information provided by the Broads Authority.

Please await an announcement on our website and social media tomorrow (24 June) with further information and details: https://www.broads-authority.gov.uk/news/coronavirus-covid-19

Best,

Tom

June 23, 2020

Hi all,

Today's statement below, more details over coming days.

Following the Government announcement on 23 June regarding the easing of lockdown restrictions, the Broads Authority is pleased to welcome back private owners and hirers for overnight stays on boats in the Broads area from 4 July onwards.

Those who are planning to stay overnight on their boat or to hire a vessel must follow the Government instructions on social distancing and local safety information provided by the Broads Authority.

Please await an announcement on our website and social media tomorrow (24 June) with further information and details: https://www.broads-authority.gov.uk/news/coronavirus-covid-19

Best,

Tom

June 12, 2020

13 hours ago, JawsOrca said:

It's interesting to read the comments on B.A's facebook post following similar to Tom's post there.. Strange how people are all experts in everything but not understand that guidance is coming from central government and the B.A are merely the messenger, shooting the messenger is going to achieve what?

Perhaps the B.A should be lobbying to allow us to stay aboard overnight but I suspect the scientist are already pushing the safety boundaries due to pressure/lobbying and shouting will not make it any safer!

Whilst you, I or Darren from dagenham may not take advantage, I bet there's many more that will.

It may not make sense but we aren't virologist and we need to trust the decisions made by those that are. I'm confident they are being made for our interests.

Thank you Tom for sharing an update..

Everything crossed we can stay aboard again soon.

Thanks @JawsOrca

As a member of the team involved with our social media, it is proving somewhat challenging to get the message across that we are not the Authority stopping overnight stays.

We fully appreciate that it must be incredibly frustrating for boat owners, especially when you turn on the news to see large gatherings, but unfortunately this is the case for a lot of industries at the moment such as caravans, campsites, self-catering accommodation etc. We are hopeful that things will change this summer and these industries will be allowed to open up together when it's safe to do so.

If anyone is not subscribed to it, our latest monthly newsletter touches on this - 'Of course the next challenge is to get trip boats operating and overnight stays permitted. We will continue to support the Government messaging around social distancing to help maintain the downward trend of infections which could help the holiday trade return sooner rather than later.'

It would be incorrect for us to say that we are 'lobbying' Defra, however we are certainly in regular communication with them. I know that John has spent a considerable amount of his time over recent weeks/months discussing the unique issues that we face in the Broads with Defra representatives. Things can unfortunately move slowly when there are 'chains of command' to follow, however we are certainly pleased for our friends in the hire boat industry with this latest announcement.

We continue to work alongside other inland navigation authorities to speak to Defra and work with them towards a safe and controlled return to normality for boat owners.

Tom

June 11, 2020

Our official update below:

The Broads Authority is pleased to receive news today from Defra regarding the conditions under which hire boats can resume operation in the Broads from 11 June.

Self-drive day boats, canoes and other paddle craft may be hired (no overnight stays) by members of a single household or ‘support bubble’ and operators will have to fulfil requirements to observe social distancing and cleanliness guidelines to ensure the safety of staff and the public.

The hire boat industry has been hard hit by lockdown restrictions and whilst overnight stays, holidays, skippered hire and boat trips in the Broads cannot yet resume, families can now get back on the waterways for a few hours to enjoy the special qualities, wildlife and beauty of the Broads which will be a welcome escape from the challenges of the last few weeks.

The Authority urges anyone considering hiring a boat to think about ongoing restrictions which may require them to plan ahead by bringing drinks and picnics or finding out in advance which businesses are open. It is also wise to avoid known popular Broads hotspots so that social distancing can be maintained. Litter has been a problem is some other National Parks so visitors are urged to take litter home with them.

For full detail of the new Government guidance relating to boating go to: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-19-coronavirus-using-a-boat-inland-and-on-the-coast

Thanks,

Tom

June 5, 2020

Good morning all,

We are aware of the posts on social media by Barnes Brinkcraft regarding hire boats and their statement that they have received permission from DEFRA and the Broads Authority to recommence hiring.

This is categorically untrue, we are expecting an announcement soon from DEFRA on guidance for hire craft however no permission has been granted by the Broads Authority and we are still waiting for the Government announcement.

We are now in direct communication with Barnes Brinkcraft’s management to get this clarified and corrected. We are conscious that this will have caused confusion amongst hirers and business owners. Please await further news soon.

Tom

New Members Say Hi ! · May 22, 2020

18 hours ago, Skipper4years said:

Hi everybody, we were out yesterday on the most beautiful day of the year along with huge numbers of other private boaters,we have truly never seen so many private craft,many of whom

we do'n't remember ever seeing before.Our bone of contention is not unusually with BA, Hoping to moor at Barton Turf we found that there was Orange plastic sheeting everywhere at the

back of the landing area all along the mooring,and brand new "NO MOORING" signs on what is of course a BA 24hr Mooring site.There appeared to be no issues and no reason displayed

such as"Tree Felling" to Take placeor similar.Can somebody please explain what is going on there??!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi Skipper,

Just to confirm our Paddy’s Lane 24 hour moorings have had the timber completely refurbished with new tie rods and some anchor pile work. The contractors undertaking the work have been waiting for a supply of woodchip (approximately 120 cubic metres) to finish off the work and open up the mooring. Obtaining it during the lockdown has been problematic but the supply is now arranged. The mooring will be opened up as soon as the work is completed and signed off.

I am a little surprised to hear that there are no information signs there other than the NO MOORING, perhaps something as happened to them. I'll raise it with my colleagues.

Thanks,

Tom

May 18, 2020

Hi all, thought you may appreciate an update:

Reports from our Rangers were overwhelmingly positive over the weekend. It appears that the Broads has largely escaped the issues experienced other upland National Parks and at certain locations at the coast.

It was busy with lots of people out enjoying their boats and paddlesports, but nearly all following the social distancing guidelines. Many a friendly nod/wave/word was exchanged and people seem delighted to be back on the water. Also, the majority of boats were tolled (thank you), although a small number of vessels were not.

Reports from places such as Ranworth/Hickling/Wroxham/other honey pot areas were that people were enjoying the weather on land too, but were being sensible and staying a good distance from each other.

Unfortunately I have seen a number of reports of people fishing during the coarse close season at various locations across the Broads network, and the Environment Agency has been prompted to monitor and take action where they can. Whether this is down to confusion regarding the Government permitting angling from 13 May onwards or not is unclear.

We appreciate it is frustrating for those that still aren't able to make the journey back to the Broads or stay overnight under the current guidelines, but we are expecting the Government will change this as soon as they deem it safe and appropriate to do so. The no overnight instruction from the Government has helped to limit the potential for people to flock here en-masse and adversely affect our local communities.

It will be fantastic if the public can continue to lead with this great behaviour over the coming bank holiday weekend. If anyone has any further questions or needs assistance please drop me a line on here or get in touch with us via our website.

Tom

May 18, 2020

On 12/05/2020 at 22:06, Upcycler said:

Are you on your own because the rest have been furlough?

No, I just happen to be the website manager too :default_biggrin:

May 13, 2020

Broads Authority statement 13 May: Government confirms that private boats can use Broads waterways

The Broads Authority has today received confirmation from Defra that privately owned powered boats can be used on the Broads for day trips as long as other guidance on social distancing is followed.

This follows guidance issued earlier this week that allowed sailing and paddle boating (including canoes, kayaks and paddle boards) to resume.

Whilst other inland waterways face a delay in the return of powered private boats, the Broads is able to welcome boaters back because maintenance of the waterways has continued throughout the COVID-19 lockdown.

Whilst the public are advised to stay at home as much as possible, from today (13 May) you are now able to leave your home and travel to exercise or spend time outdoors from today.

As well as the relaxation of boating restrictions, owners may also visit their boats for leisure or to do maintenance but are not able to stay overnight away from their usual residence (so day trips only).

The Authority urges people to take care to follow guidelines and respect social distancing and to bear in mind that many businesses associated with boating may not yet be able to open.

It is also essential that boaters contact marinas where there vessels are moored directly to see if they are able to access them as some businesses may not be open or able to facilitate safe access.

The revised guidance on returning to work (if you are not able to do so from home) may also mean that some businesses may be able to re-open whilst others cannot.

As well as restrictions business owners will have to judge whether it is safe to re-open and if they can apply social distancing/precautionary measures to protect staff and customers.

Whilst we all pleased that we can access the Broads again, the threat of Coronavirus is still very real. It is up to all of us to ensure the guidelines are followed to help save lives and protect our NHS.

Read the full statement on our website: https://www.broads-authority.gov.uk/news/coronavirus-covid-19

May 13, 2020