ipswich.gov.uk

The Port of Ipswich is situated both within and immediately adjoining the Waterfront area of IP-One. As well as maintaining its operational activities, ABP is concerned to ensure that it retains the right and ability to fully use its land and infrastructure for port purposes in the performance of its statutory duties and responsibilities as a harbour undertaking. The importance of the Port continuing to flourish as a major economic driver in the sub-region is recognised in the NALEP Strategic Economic Plan and at paragraphs 5.6, 6.19 and 9.153 - 9.154 of the Core Strategy and Policies DPD Review (consistent with the advice in the Ports NPS).

The Port's infrastructure includes quay and dockside facilities, accommodation, locks, navigation rights and private vehicle rights over roads within the Wet Dock/Waterfront area, routes over Orwell Quay and passing Eagle Quay and Gasworks Quay, the railhead into the West Bank Terminal at Griffin Quay, and relatively direct road access to the trunk road network (A12 and A14). It also includes rights granted to ABP and to occupiers on the port estate under both the Dangerous Substances in Harbour Areas Regulations 1987 to handle and store explosive substances at Ro-Ro Berths 1 and 2 on the West Bank and at the Power Station Berth on Cliff Quay, and the Planning (Hazardous Substances) Act 1990 to handle and store hazardous substances (including ammonium nitrate fertilizer) at Cliff Quay and in the area around the former Vopak Terminal.

Whilst, therefore, ABP is keen to support the realisation of the wider development objectives and aspirations of the Core Strategy and Policies and Site Allocations DPDs, it must protect its 'significant (economic) role' and ability to expand further and assist in driving growth in the region.

ABP therefore welcomes the recognition given at paragraph 5.20 (in support of Policy SP11) to the need for new development to take account of the Port's operational needs given its situation within and adjacent to the Waterfront.