Planning Statement
1900380
Date 26/03/19
Planning Statement
Background
D.O.I. Highways Division, Design was asked to undertake a feasibility study for the provision of a new slipway at Derbyhaven for the Airport Emergency Services. This work was requested due to the rapid deterioration of the existing slipway, rendering it unsafe for the Airport Fire Services to continue using and forcing them to use the next available slipway, which has been causing issues with the tractor and trailer unit grounding out.
Design Methodology
Following the request from the Airport Fire Service, design work began on the proposed new slipway. The factors considered whilst undertaking the design work included:
- ASSI (Area of Significant Scientific Interest)
- Location
- Environment
- Unauthorised Access
The area around Langness, Derbyhaven and Sanwick is part of an ASSI, therefore special consideration was given not only to reducing the environmental impact but also to the design of the slipway in order to reduce its overall footprint. Meetings were held with DEFA representatives and they have approved the location and design as suitable for the area with certain agreed restrictions on construction timescales and the protection of a salt marsh adjacent to the proposed construction.
The location of the slipway was also influenced by the access requirements of the fire service and after a desk top study, site visits and consultation, it was decided that the best option was to provide a new slipway directly adjacent to the existing slipway. This was based on a number of factors: The existing location has proven itself as the best for fast access to the beach as there is a direct route to it from the fire station. Its positioning also reduces the number of manoeuvres required when reversing or driving on and off the slipway and it is also easy to provide access restrictions upon.
Originally the new slipway was to be constructed over the footprint of the existing slipway to reduce the additional area of ASSI that is affected. However after consultation and advice from DEFA it was decided to move the slipway slightly west of the existing to avoid damage to an important area of saltmarsh.
In order to prevent unauthorised access to the emergency services slipway a simple chain and padlock will be provided that should be sufficient to deter unauthorised use of the slipway.
Graham Smith - Structures Team Leader Department of Infrastructure
