Plan to take over estuary raises concerns about potential new fees

Proposals for Exeter City Council to assume control of the Exe estuary are encountering resistance from water users worried about potential new charges. The council intends to employ a harbour revision order (HRO) to oversee the estuary, which stretches from Exeter Quay to the coast at Dawlish and Exmouth.

The council explained that existing by-laws were outdated and insufficient, and it aims to make the entire estuary area "safe and sustainable." However, local sailing clubs, a stand-up paddleboard association, and the area's MP have voiced unease over what the council might do with the expanded authority, calling for more detailed information.

Currently, the Exe estuary is regulated by a series of by-laws. Recreational use of the estuary and Exeter Canal does not carry harbour charges, although the council does collect mooring fees for visiting yachts and some boat storage.

Ian Garcia, commodore of Topsham Sailing Clubwhich has been active for 140 yearsexpressed concern over the absence of a business plan, which the HRO does not require. He commented, "Our members cannot fully grasp the impact of potential fines, licences, or charges. Significant fees could arise, even though the river has no commercial traffic, and the canal is expensive to maintain."

The council previously attempted to introduce an HRO in 2008, but those plans were abandoned in 2014. In September 2021, it established the Exeter Harbour Board to manage the river and canal and ensure compliance with the Port Marine Safety Code. Exeter City Council's accounts indicate that running the harbour cost 300,000 in 202425.

The Labour-led council conducted a consultation on the HRO, which concluded on 23 November. Critics argued that the information provided was insufficiently clear. David Reed, Conservative MP for Exmouth and Exeter East, expressed concerns about the process being conducted "behind closed doors." He highlighted safety concerns and the potential for future administrations to introduce charges on the estuary, stating, "There could be charging powers. This administration may not do it, but future councils might see it as a source of revenue."

The city council is awaiting the government's decision on whether it can become an expanded unitary authority, which would include a larger portion of the estuary. Officials have refrained from commenting on public concerns, noting that consultation responses are being reviewed by the Marine Management Organisation, which will decide on the HRO application. The council has prepared a FAQ response, asserting that any charges would be "reasonable and justifiable."

Derek Johnson, founder of the Exmouth SUP and Paddle group, emphasized that the estuary is commonly used for training beginners. He worries that introducing charges could push novices into more dangerous waters. While the council stated there are "no plans currently to levy a fee to kayakers or paddle-boarders," Johnson questioned the term "currently," calling it "a money grab" and advocating for guaranteed free access.

Johnson cited other regions, such as Portland in Dorset, where HRO implementation led to fees for kayakers, windsurfers, and paddleboarders. He insisted on clear legal assurance that charges would not be applied in Exe estuary.

Author: Sophia Brooks