Sailing club wants backing for new hut (From Harwich and Manningtree Standard)

Sailing club wants backing for new hut

7:30am Tuesday 19th March 2013 in Harwich and Manningtree News By Helen Barnett

A SAILING club boss has pleaded with residents to approve of plans for a new storage hut which has caused a tidal wave of objections.

Stour Sailing Club’s revised plan for its wooden shed on the banks of the river Stour near Quay Street, Manningtree, have caused more frustration with residents, who have logged more than 20 comments on Tendring Council’s planning website since Monday, March 11.

Original designs were submitted for a storage and starting hut nearly five meters tall in November but were withdrawn after disgruntled residents said they would lose river views. Residents called a public meeting to complain.

The revised drawings are for a hut 3.95meters tall, 3.4meters wide, and 8.5meters long.

The club said the hut was a vital first stage of the club’s expansion. It plans to move equipment from the rear of the clubhouse into the storage shed so it can expand the clubhouse and provide better changing facilities. The upgrade could lead to more provisions to train youngsters in the future.