Plans for floating Broads pontoons are scrapped

The Broads Authority has cancelled plans for floating pontoons near Hickling Broad

Pontoon plans for a Norfolk Broads beauty spot have been scrapped after proposed changes attracted more than 100 objections.

The Broads Authority (BA) says it has "listened carefully" to the objections to installing a series of floating pontoons along Heigham Sound – a key entrance way to Hickling Broad.

Some boaters argued it would leave them unable to sail up the narrow channel due to the width of the structures.

But others said losing the permanent moorings would result in a loss of half the available space for vessels.

The moorings along Deep Dyke at Hickling Broad

Members of the authority's navigation committee, which advises on strategic management of the waterways, have warned that hire boat firms would suffer as a result of the changes.

A BA spokesman said: "The Broads Authority has listened carefully to the comments made by several members of its navigation committee and other stakeholders on the proposal to replace the end of life piling at Heigham Sound with pontoons.

"Concerns were raised to the authority about narrowing the river access to the bank and the overall length of mooring retained.

"In the light of this, the authority has decided to withdraw its planning application and consider alternative options.

"The replacement of the current steel piling with like-for-like may be unaffordable, especially given that other sites have similar issues.

"As always with the maintenance of the Broads there are no easy answers. Once other solutions have been explored, costed and appraised, they will be presented to the navigation committee."

A map shows the moorings where the changes had been proposed, near Hickling Broad

Installing the floating pontoons would have saved about £260,000 - compared to repairing the permanent quay heading, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The structures have previously been supported by authority members, as a cost-effective alternative that would also cope with rising river levels.