Case ref: MLA/2019/00109
Licence ref: L/2019/00425/1

Case summary

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Project description

Project title

Project background

The national network of regional coastal monitoring programmes of England (NNRCMP) consists of 6 regional programmes who monitor coastal processes in support of coastal management and research. The programme is funded by Defra, through the Environment Agency.

The Programme operates a long-running coastal wave network of 36 buoys deployed around the English coast. Most are in water depths of around 10m, with some in ~20m. The aim of the network is to provide both real-time wave data for operational beach management and public safety, and also to provide long-term archived data for design of coastal schemes, beach performance and other coastal management purposes. The data is freely available, and also widely used in research, conservation and a range of other uses. The network is deployed on behalf of maritime Local Authorities and the Environment Agency.

The buoys have been deployed for varying lengths, with the earliest deployed in 2003, they have not been moved to new locations. They are charted. The network has a crown estate license covering all buoys.

30 of the buoys have existing MMO licences, many exceeding 5 years (see details within the shape file), and 6 require new licences.
Although aware that the buoys could currently fall under the scientific exemption clause, we have historically licenced all buoys and wish to continue doing so. The buoys and their moorings undergo regular maintenance and servicing, and the intention is for them to remain in position as long as funding for the monitoring programmes remains.

Programme of works

The buoys are currently deployed and 30 have existing licenses (see related consents below for a list). A number of the current licenses exceed 5 years in length, and we have prior confirmation that these did not need to be renewed. However, for efficiency of managing the continuing network, we would like to include all 36 of the buoys within the network on a single licence. I made an inquiry regarding this in December 2018, and received a positive response.

As such, the start date would become the date of the award of the license (1st April 2019)
There is no end date, as the network is continuous and will be ongoing as long as funding allows. The programme is currently funded until March 2021, but this will be extended in 5/6 year phases beyond this time. As such, the end date for the project has been selected as the end of the next phase, which is scheduled for March 2026.
The buoys are serviced at 6 monthly intervals.

Other information

Applicant details

Dr Charlotte Thompson / 023 80598467 / celt1@noc.soton.ac.uk
NEW FOREST DISTRICT COUNCIL / WATERFRONT CAMPUS EUROPEAN WAY SOUTHAMPTON / SO14 3ZH

Date application submitted

Date application validated

Date initial decision made

Status