BPA calls for post-Brexit strategy

News 20 Dec 2016 by WCN Editorial

The British Ports Association wants a post-Brexit ‘port zoning’ strategy renoving planning constraints

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BPA wants the government to establish port zones that would see both marine and land areas within ports being classified as "special areas for growth.

"These zones would be safeguarded against the impact of marine designations and planning system challenges, thus allowing ports to fast-track developments and have certainty about future activities.

"Ports throughout the UK now face increasing restrictions stemming from marine and planning designations, often representing a challenge to their statutory duties and future plans," states BPA.

Commenting on the proposals, BPA Chairman Rodney Lunn said: “Ports are vital clusters of jobs and trade, supporting coastal communities as well as safeguarding harbour areas for commercial and recreational users. As we move into a new trading environment post-Brexit, it is important that the sector remains competitive.

“Environmental and planning constraints in ports statutory limits are becoming increasingly difficult to work with. Our proposed ‘port zones’ would allow ports to continue to fulfil their duties to maintain safe harbours whilst supporting jobs and trade without endangering the environment.”

The BPA has over 100 members representing around 350 ports.