Dartmouth town councillor David Gent has stated that the Dart Harbour and Navigation Authority has an ultimate plan to put as many walk on moorings in the Dart as they can, all along the North Embankment. He said: “The only reason they haven’t done it, is because they have to consult South Hams District Council who own the Embankment.

“It will destroy the view of the river. If it required planning, which it doesn’t because we don’t cover wet stuff, I would refuse it on the basis it is over development and unneighbourly.”

Cllr Gent said that the DHNA had more requests for walk on moorings than they could fulfil, some 266 prospective customers. They intend to link pontoon DA, one accessed via a security gate opposite Coronation Park, with pontoon DB which runs parallel further out into the river, so that boat owners can walk out to it and walk onto their boats.

He said that the document, of which he has a copy, identifies that there are no legal or health and safety implications to the plan and that the DHNA has consulted the “majority of mooring holders, who are in favour.” It states that such a development will help local business and that the DHNA “see no risks at all, including no risk to local business or the DHNA’s reputation.”

Cllr Gent added: “There was general agreement at the full council meeting that the mayor should write expressing the disappointment at their failure to inform us.”