MARINE pontoons are to be installed along the River Teign foreshore at Shaldon.

Shaldon Quay Company won unanimous support for its plan at Teignbridge Council Development Control Committee on Monday, despite opposition from Teignbridge Harbour Commission and Shaldon Parish Council.

The south bank foreshore area borders the Conservation Area. It is owned by the Crown Estates and leased by Teignbridge Harbour Commission. A small section is owned by Teignbridge Council.

Cllr Peter Williams, parish council planning committee chairman, told the committee that the scheme would, in effect, mean privatising a popular public amenity.

'The area is not owned by Shaldon Quay Company and they have no rights over it,' he said.

Currently the area is public beach and used for crabbing, swimming and boat repairs. Trot line moorings are leased out to boat owners by the Harbour Commission.

Cllr Williams said that under the scheme only one pontoon mooring, the least usable, would be for public use.

'This proposal is totally unacceptable to parish council and the Harbour Commission and we would ask for it to be rejected or returned to the drawing board.'

In a written objection Teignmouth Harbour Commission said the scheme did not detail public access, particularly as the pontoons would be accessed via a ramp from the privately-owned Shaldon Quay.

Bernard Howard, director of Shaldon Quay Company, told the committee that the scheme would preserve 'the iconic characteristics' of the quay and provide added impetus to tourism.

'Last year the parish council recommended approval and said there would be definite advantages to Shaldon residents. Three months later they have changed their minds, which I find quite extraordinary.'

He said that mooring facilities were limited on the Teign, particularly for those of limited mobility.

Cllr Chris Clarance, withdrew from the debate by virtue of being a boat-owner, but in a written statement expressed his support.

'These pontoons will provide a facility which currently Shaldon residents don't have. They will give access to the water amidships rather than scrambling over the bows of a boat,' he said.

He pointed out that the Crown Estates as land-owner and Teignbridge Harbour Commission as lease-holder would be able to impose conditions regarding public access.

Cllr Sylvia Russell said: 'We have a wonderful opportunity here to keep improving facilities.

'To my mind this would fit in with the natural surroundings without really taking away too much from the general public.'