Pyefleet moorings

[johnalison]

I heard from a reliable source today that a proposal has been submitted for about half a dozen new moorings, both up and downstream of the present ones. I understand that there is not much to be done yet but that it is being publicised and will be considered by Colchester. I suggest that anyone involved should keep themselves informed.

 

[Cantata]

Glad someone has brought this up, as I heard something about it a week or two ago from an impeccable local source who was most concerned, and I was wondering what I could do with it.
It seems that Colchester Oyster Fishery (COF) are requesting permission for a ‘small increase’ in the number of moorings in the Pyefleet -12 in all, I was told, double what @JohnAlison mentions, and an 85 % increase over existing! Some of the existing ones were only recently consented a few years ago without consultation.
I understand that unfortunately the Harbour Commissioners at nearby Brightlingsea are toothless on this one as they have no formal remit in the Pyefleet other than pilotage and local Lighthouse Authority issues. They however have suggested to Colchester Borough Council (COF’s landlords) that the Council start a consultation process so that interested local parties can make their feelings known.
I didn’t know the exact location of the proposed moorings and would have thought only upstream of the existing ones, but it now seems not.
I'm not a local but Pyefleet is a favourite of ours and an iconic EC anchorage, and at this rate there soon will be little room left to drop a hook.

 

[LONG_KEELER]

Glad someone has brought this up, as I heard something about it a week or two ago from an impeccable local source who was most concerned, and I was wondering what I could do with it.
It seems that Colchester Oyster Fishery (COF) are requesting permission for a ‘small increase’ in the number of moorings in the Pyefleet -12 in all, I was told, double what @JohnAlison mentions, and an 85 % increase over existing! Some of the existing ones were only recently consented a few years ago without consultation.
I understand that unfortunately the Harbour Commissioners at nearby Brightlingsea are toothless on this one as they have no formal remit in the Pyefleet other than pilotage and local Lighthouse Authority issues. They however have suggested to Colchester Borough Council (COF’s landlords) that the Council start a consultation process so that interested local parties can make their feelings known.
I didn’t know the exact location of the proposed moorings and would have thought only upstream of the existing ones, but it now seems not.
I'm not a local but Pyefleet is a favourite of ours and an iconic EC anchorage, and at this rate there soon will be little room left to drop a hook.

Like many I expect, would not like things to change.

I have been asked for money when picking up a mooring and have always felt the Oyster Fishery rather on the aggressive side.

My guess would be that the Oyster Fishery wish to stop people anchoring and more moorings would probably do the trick.

As mentioned, the Pyefleet is a special place and I do hope Colchester take this into consideration.

 

[nortonmotors]

I'd heard that there was a risk of being asked to pay when picking up one of the Pyefleet moorings - but in twenty or so years of going there, the odd occasion when I've used one hasn't resulted in a demand for payment.
I usually anchor well above the buoys, and if there are more buoys, will anchor even further up.
I really hope there aren't more permanent moorings in there, but if it becomes too popular for me, there are many other quiet spots to enjoy a glass or two.

 

[johnalison]

Unfortunately it's not as easy as that for those of us with fairly average keels (mine's 1.5m). There is a general perception that the area west of the moorings is getting shallower and in conditions where plenty of swinging room is needed it is already becoming quite hard to find a comfortable spot some weekends. If I've spent several hours thrashing up the Wallet I don't want to motor round elsewhere or leave myself somewhere exposed.
Incidentally, I had my informant's assurance that this matter was not confidential.