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The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
RESOLVED- That the minutes of the Conwy Harbour Advisory Committee held on 5 March, 2025 be approved and signed as a correct record.
No apologies for absence were received. Mr Roger Stokes (Conwy Marina Berth Holders Association) and Michael Leahy (Conway Yacht Club Ltd.) had replaced Mr Roger Millward and David Warden-Owen respectively, as Members of the Conwy Harbour Advisory Committee. Thanks were extended to Mr Roger Millward and David Warden-Owen for their contribution over the years.
Councillors Goronwy Edwards, Sian Grady, Sam Cotton and Susan Shotter declared a personal interest in Agenda item 5(a) - Conwy Harbour update and the proposal to introduce commercial vessel mooring fees, as they are elected members of the Local Authority proposing to introduce the fees and the Council’s appointed representatives on the Conwy Harbour Advisory Committee. Bryn Hughes (Vice-Chair and Conwy Musselmen and Boatmen’s Association representative) and Roger Stokes (Conwy Marina Berth Holders Association) also declared a personal interest in the same agenda item 5(a) due to having a financial/business interest. As the interests were not considered prejudicial, the Members were able to speak and vote on the matter. In addition, in the interest of transparency, Matthew Forbes (Harbour Master) declared a personal interest as he co-owned a vessel, which was moored in the harbour.
None reported.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED- That the minutes of the Conwy Harbour Advisory Committee held on 5 March, 2025 be approved and signed as a correct record.
The minutes of the Conwy Harbour Advisory Committee held on 5 March, 2025 were submitted for approval. RESOLVED- That the minutes of the Conwy Harbour Advisory Committee held on 5 March, 2025 be approved and signed as a correct record.
Further to minute 17 (05.03.25) and a pause and review of the introduction of commercial vessel mooring fees in order to discuss the matter of commercial mooring fees with Members, officers and representatives of the commercial vessel owners, the Harbour Master presented a further report outlining a number of options regarding the charging of commercial mooring fees at Conwy Harbour and reiterated that failure to adequately finance the Harbour operations would see closure or removal of services. In addition, it was noted that eight vessels were sight- seeing vessels as opposed to six referenced in the report. The options presented for consideration were as follows: Option 1 - Commercial vessel mooring fees are introduced at Conwy Harbour. Option 2 – Commercial vessel mooring fees are introduced at a level 50% of recreational fees in 2025 and at 100% in 2026. This option would require additional budgetary funding to be identified, outside of the existing approved harbour budget. Option 3 - Commercial vessel mooring fees are introduced at a level below mooring charges to recreational users, providing an annual discount. The burden of paying fees to replace infrastructure would continue to be borne by recreational harbour users. This option would require additional budgetary funding to be identified, outside of the existing approved harbour budget. Option 3 also risked the continued viability of harbour operations, for example, the ability to fund dredging. In considering the report, reference was made to the following: • Some Members strongly believed that the consultation within the community regarding commercial vessel mooring fees was poor. • The democratic process and consultation for re-charges was queried. • Previous grants potentially restricting the ability to charge commercial vessels mooring fees and the possibility of applying for further grants to improve harbour facilities. • The need to ensure that the harbour and its operations remained viable for all users. • Risks associated with additional budgetary requirements, to include potential additional costs borne by recreational harbour users. • The primary reason for the purchase of the dredger and it’s income generation. The majority of Members were not opposed to income generation in principle, subject to a review of charges in 2026. RECOMMENDED TO CABINET: That Option 2 – Commercial vessel mooring fees are introduced at a level 50% of recreational fees in 2025 and a review of charges be conducted in 2026.
Councillors must say when they have a personal link to something being discussed, such as a job, a property or a family member. A prejudicial interest is one strong enough that the councillor usually leaves the room and takes no part.
Declarations are read from the minutes once they are published.
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