THE head of Kings-bridge estuary is set to change dramatically after plans for a new 132 berth pontoon were approved by South Hams Council this week.

The Development Management Committee voted in favour of an application to replace the existing pontoons with a new 132 berth pontoon, access bridge, public landing and berthing area.

Comments made to the council by members of the public included both support and objections. Those writing in support said that they felt the current set up was dangerous and outdated and this application offered better safety and reduced visual impact on the head of the basin.

Brian Hayden, from Kingsbridge, said: 'The final proposal, as put forward for planning permission, makes every attempt to minimise any adverse visual impact; and, preserves access up the estuary and turning space for larger craft using the landing stage on the upper reaches of the estuary on the east side.'

Those with objections included Peter Moule, from Rivermaid Marine Services, who said: 'As ferry operator for the last 40 years I strongly object to this plan as the proposed positioning of the new pontoons will be 'an obstruction to navigation.'

'In fact the River-maid ferry will be prevented from accessing the head of the estuary during periods of neap tides as there would not be sufficient depth of water over the adjacent mudbanks for it to safely make passage past the new pontoons.

'Even on spring tides the tidal window would be significantly less, thereby reducing the number of sailings that the ferry could offer and thus affect local tourism.'

Other objections included the visual impact on an area of outstanding natural beauty and the pontoon being out of proportion to the size of the site.