Parliament backs updated powers for Portsmouth port

The order replaces a patchwork of historic regulations with a single, modern framework, reflecting how the council-owned port has developed over time.

Harbour Revision Orders must be passed through Parliament and set out the legal powers available to harbour authorities.

Under the new HRO, the port will be able to avoid unnecessary planning delays as it seeks to improve its land and infrastructure in line with the ambitions set out in its Masterplan.

The order also strengthens the role of the harbour master, providing powers to help ensure safety on the water and on port land, including around the Camber.

This includes the ability to address irresponsible behaviour, protect port property and safeguard the marine environment.

Portsmouth City Council leader Steve Pitt, who is also the cabinet member responsible for the port, said the changes would help remove barriers to future development.

He said: “The HRO has been a long time in the making, and better enables the port to be the master of its own destiny, by helping it to avoid planning and other regulatory barriers that were hampering its plans for future growth.”

He added: “The port’s Masterplan is one of the cornerstones of the city’s economic prosperity into the future, and the new HRO provides the platform to meet those objectives.”

Harbour master Ben McInnes said the updated powers would allow quicker action to deal with ongoing issues around the port.

He said: “Where previously we’ve been unable to directly tackle issues such as antisocial behaviour and poor parking in and around the Camber and on port land, we’ll now be able to deal with those problems more quickly, meaning we can make Portsmouth’s harbour a safer place.”

The council says the new HRO will support the delivery of the port’s long-term Masterplan, which sets out proposals for sustainable growth and investment at Portsmouth International Port.

More information on the port’s future plans is available on the council’s website.