Sandbanks Residents Oppose Yacht Club Expansion Citing Privacy and Structural Concerns

Residents of Sandbanks, a wealthy coastal enclave in Dorset, are voicing strong opposition to a proposed expansion of the Royal Motor Yacht Club's marina. The homeowners, many of whom own multi-million-pound properties, fear the development will encroach on their privacy and could lead to structural damage.

The Royal Motor Yacht Club has applied to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council for permission to create additional berths for yachts by expanding its existing marina. This proposal comes after Natural England advised the club to remove 24 existing moorings from Poole Harbour due to concerns that boat anchors were damaging sensitive eelgrass beds.

Neighbors living in waterfront properties along Old Coastguard Road have lodged objections, citing three primary concerns: privacy, potential sand deposition, and risk to their homes. Frank Carr, a resident living near the club, stated that the proposed expansion would bring larger boats closer to their properties, allowing passengers to see directly into private living spaces. Residents are also worried about the potential for sand to accumulate under their private jetties due to seabed movement described in planning documents, which could necessitate costly dredging.

Furthermore, concerns have been raised about the structural integrity of older homes in the area, some dating back to the 1930s, particularly in relation to vibrations caused by piling work during construction. Residents are requesting structural surveys before work commences and monitoring of noise and vibration levels, with provisions for halting work if damage occurs.

Beyond direct impacts on private residences, some objectors question the aesthetic impact of a larger marina on the Sandbanks Conservation Area. There are also concerns about the potential loss of a section of public foreshore that is accessible at low tide and enjoyed by walkers.

The Environment Agency has also expressed concerns, questioning whether the expanded marina could lead to sediment build-up behind properties and highlighting the potential loss of a sensitive sand dune. Alexandra Catallo noted that additional berths would permanently reduce the available public space, and she could not see a benefit that outweighed this loss.

The Royal Motor Yacht Club, which has historical ties to royalty, including Prince Philip who served as its Admiral for nearly 70 years, maintains that the expansion is necessary to accommodate members' boats. In its planning documents, the club asserts that the enlarged marina will not obstruct neighboring homeowners' views or negatively affect their properties, and highlights its role as an important part of the local community with many resident members.

BCP Council is expected to make a decision on the yacht club's application in the coming weeks.