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Ports call for planning refresh

[ November 21, 2019   //   ]

The British Ports Association and the consultancy arm of Associated British Ports, ABPmer, have published a white paper on how masterplanning can contribute to growth in coastal regions as well as help communicate strategies and visions to stakeholders.

It’s also calling on the Government to update its planning guidance for the sector, pointing out that this has been neglected for several years.

The BPA is calling on central, regional and local policy makers to take note of port masterplans so the potential of ports can be included in wider strategies.

It forms part of a Port Futures programme led by BPA and ABPmer, who see port masterplans and the process through which they are developed as an extremely useful way in which ports can shape and communicate their strategic plans by engaging with regional planners.

Tony Brooks, Masterplanning lead at ABPmer said: “A masterplan outlines how a port intends to respond to change. It begins with what is happening at the port now, and why. It then explains what needs to happen in future. By going through the masterplanning process, ports can describe how they can facilitate development and investment whilst building in stakeholder interests. The process can be an invaluable way to transmit what developments and initiatives a port wants to drive forward.”

BPA chief Executive, Richard Ballantyne added: “At a time when sub national and regional bodies are exploring initiatives to drive growth and investment, this report highlights the potential and process through which ports can transmit their aims and aspirations to policy makers.

“We are also keen that the UK Government updates its Port Masterplanning Guidance for English ports which hasn’t been refreshed for over a decade. This needs reviving and we’d like to encourage some discussion with the devolved administrations as to how masterplanning might be recognised in other parts of the UK.”

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