Planning Committee approves berths 4 / 5 application

Thanet District Council’s Planning Committee tonight (Wednesday 18 May 2022) approved an application for the installation of a 119m berth at the Port of Ramsgate.

This follows the removal of the previous berth 4/5 in November 2020, which had reached the end of its operational life.

The proposed berth consists of a floating pontoon structure held in place by steel piles.  A hinged gangway will provide access whilst accommodating tidal movement. The berth will be longer and wider than the previous 70m long berth. It will, however, have a similar appearance to some of the other berths and structures currently visible within the Port.

The council has also submitted a Marine Licence application to the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) for the sea based elements of the proposed development. This licence will be required prior to the commencement of construction of the berth.

The berth is scheduled to be installed during the summer months to avoid significant impacts on overwintering birds. As construction will be located within a commercial port, it is not considered that this would result in a significant impact upon tourism in the area.