GovWire

On 7 April 2020, the Port of London Authority (the applicant) made a formal application to the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) under Section 14 of the Harbours Act 1964 for a Harbour Revision Order (HRO).

If made, the order would substantially modernise the powers and duties of the Port of London Authority (the PLA) under the Port of London Act 1968 and other relevant local legislation.

It would update the constitutional and governance procedures of the PLA and clarifies and modernises its general powers and duties, including its charging and borrowing powers. It also clarifies the limits of the port.

It would revise the licensing regime on the Thames in relation to river works and dredging and introduces a new licensing regime for mooring of vessels. It would also provide for a more transparent and consistent process in relation to the licensing regime and regularise the position with regard to historic moorings in the river.

Other modifications of the regulatory regime in the Thames include:

• powers for emergency safety notices, to control fireworks and use of explosives and to require installation of grab chains or ladders on the river banks;
• requirements for lighting of works;
• enhanced powers of entry for survey and enforcement purposes and to require information;
• extending the purposes for which directions or byelaws can be made;
• enhanced powers in relation to pollution of the Thames and to deal with obstructions in the river and vehicles left on port land; and
• reporting requirements in relation to autonomous vessels.

Other miscellaneous changes include:

• modifying the general law concerning the acquisition of rights of way and the operation of the Limitation Act 1980 in relation to the Thames;
• allowing for the service and publication of documents electronically;
• modifying historic legislation in relation to Richmond Lock, Tilbury Pier and statutory undertakers;
• modifying limitations on the exercise of the PLAs powers in relation to the Medway approach and areas off Southend-on-Sea and Sheerness;
• providing a revised appeal mechanism against decisions of the PLA; and
• generally repealing redundant local legislation.

More information about the proposals can be viewed in the statement in support and the draft HRO. A statutory 42-day public consultation is required by the Harbours Act 1964. Due to the nature of the proposals of this application, a 56-day consultation period has been agreed. The 56-day public consultation on the HRO starts on 18 August 2021 and ends on 12 October 2021. Any person desiring to make an objection or representation concerning the application should write to:

or email to harbourorders@marinemanagement.org.uk

An objection or representation should:

• Be received before the expiry of a period of 56-day consultation period;
• Be made in writing and quoting reference HRO/2020/00005;
• State the grounds of the objection or representation;
• Indicate who is making the objection or representation; and give an address to which correspondence relating to the objection or representation may be sent.