Case ref: MLA/2018/00536/12
Licence ref: L/2019/00239/11

Case summary

Main content

Project description

Project title

Project background

The Isle of Man Government is seeking to obtain planning permission and a marine licence for a new ferry terminal and associated infrastructure. The new ferry terminal is a essential to the continued operation of vital ferry services between the Isle of Man and Liverpool. The site encompasses an area covering approximately 1.8 hectares (ha), located at West Waterloo Docks and Princes Half-Tide Docks, Liverpool on the east bank of the Mersey Estuary. As shown on the attached Site Location Plan the site is surrounded on three sides by water: Princes Half-Tide Dock and West Waterloo Dock are located to the east, the Mersey Estuary is located to the west and a channel connecting the river to the Princes Half-Tide Dock is located to the south (the lock gate is sealed permanently closed at this point).

As shown on the Existing Site Plan, the site itself comprises a redundant dock (quay) structure (formerly occupied by the HMS Eaglet Buildings, now demolished) and currently includes mixed hardstanding areas of concrete, tarmacadam and paving, as well as patches of ruderal vegetation, with a spoil mound in the centre of the Site. It includes the former entrance to the West Waterloo Docks (also permanently closed) and a section of the River Mersey along the west boundary, a portion of West Waterloo Dock within the north-east corner and two small portions of the Princes Half-Tide Dock along the south-east boundary.

A Environmental Statement accompanies this application. In line with the UK regulations which relate to EIA, the ES provides a description of the main alternatives to the Development which were considered by the Applicant. The proposed Development would replace the existing ferry terminal at Liverpool, located on the waterfront at Princes Parade, approximately 750m south of the Site. The ferry terminal needs to be moved to make way for the proposed new Liverpool Cruise Terminal which is currently in the consenting process.

Programme of works

Overall timescale for construction of the development is anticipated as approx. 18 months. Works are expected to start mid-2019, with completion anticipated by end of 2020. A breakdown of the anticipated time period for each element of works is in Table 6.2 (Chap 6) of ES.

Chapters 5 & 6 of the ES provide further details of proposed works programme & construction information. A contractor is not yet appointed, so all information given may need refinement following appointment.

As set out in Chapters 5 & 6, the works associated with the proposed development requiring a marine licence include:
1. Infilling the south-west corner of West Waterloo Dock & two small compartments of the Princes Half-Tide Dock (further info is in the 'Dock Infilling Report' Appendix 12.3 ES)
2. Capital Dredging works to River Mersey to provide a berthing pocket and approach channel
3. Disposal of dredged material to sea (Site Z (IS140), Y (IS150) or Mid-River ( ) if & as agreed with MMO during consenting process)
3. Steel linkspan bridge & floating pontoon (inc. piles) to provide vehicle & pedestrian access to the rear of the vessels
4. Hydraulic movable passenger access system (PAS)
5. Berthing dolphin (including access walkway & pile), mooring buoy, fenders, floating bollards & ladders
8. Precast ‘L shaped’ retaining wall structure at former West Waterloo Dock entrance.
9. Removal of upper part of West Waterloo Gate
10. Possible repairs / maintenance to dock walls (all round site)
11. Temporary pontoon during construction period

Hours of work would be agreed with Liverpool City Council & MMO. Standard hours are likely to be:
• 08:00 to 18:00 hours Mon to Fri;
• 08:00 to 13:00 hours Saturday; &
• Unless agreed in advance no work undertaken on Sundays or public/bank holidays except where required for specialist construction operations & deliveries. Hours of operation for such works would be subject to prior agreement & reasonable notice with MMO & Council, except in emergencies.

Other information

Applicant details

Mr Paul Slinger / 01624 850000 / Paul.Slinger@gov.iom
ISLE OF MAN GOVERNMENT / SEA TERMINAL DOUGLAS ISLE OF MAN / IM1 2RF

Date application submitted

Date application validated

Date initial decision made

Date decision made for latest variation

Status