Port Masterplan Consultation

We have now published our final draft port masterplan – it can be found on https://arcg.is/0GPfHu

Following extensive consultation to establish what stakeholders wanted to see included in the Port Masterplan, this is the final draft for further consultation.  We want your opinion on the plan, as this is your harbour!  There are a number of ways for you to give us feedback, and understand more about the plan:

• Complete our online feedback form
• Send us feedback by email to [email protected]
• Pop in to the Harbour Office, 6 Oxford Street, Dartmouth, TQ6 9AL
• Visit one of our drop-in sessions for a casual chat with the team.
  • Kingswear Hoodown Workshop: Mon 15th June, 13:00-18:30
  • Dartmouth Harbour Office: Sat 25th July, 12:00-17:00
  • Stakeholder River Cruise (by invitation) – 5th June
• Attend one of our presentations on the plan.
  • Ashprington – Thursday 7th May 19:00, Village Hall
  • Dartmouth – TBA
  • Totnes – TBA
  • Galmpton – TBA

Executive summary

This masterplan sets out Dart Harbour’s vision for sustainable growth and development over the next 25 years. It provides a strategic framework to help the harbour respond to economic, environmental, technological, and social changes while strengthening its role as a driver of local prosperity and community value.

The harbour currently operates at a good balance between usage and environmental protection, with over 3,600 moorings and strong demand, particularly from the leisure sector which generates more than 80% of revenue. While this provides financial stability, the plan seeks to diversify income by expanding commercial, marine services, and large-vessel activity, while maintaining its core leisure offering.

Safety and navigation remain central priorities. The harbour will continue to invest in infrastructure, maintain navigational standards, and improve access for all users, including those with disabilities.

Governance as a trust port ensures reinvestment into operations, supporting long-term resilience and flexibility, with a strong and flexible team to deliver this plan.

Growth opportunities include expanding facilities for yachts and small boats, enhancing visitor amenities, supporting local marine industries, and increasing capacity for larger vessels such as cruise ships and superyachts (within defined limits). The harbour also aims to address service gaps and ensure continuity where private providers may withdraw.

Environmental stewardship is a core pillar of the plan. The harbour commits to improving ecological health, restoring habitats, achieving net-zero operations by 2050, and addressing pollution, particularly water quality in the upper estuary. Climate adaptation measures, including resilience to sea-level rise and storms, are also integral.

The masterplan emphasizes the harbour’s role as a community asset. It supports local employment, skills development, and inclusive access to the river. Enhancing connections between communities and the waterfront, encouraging recreation, and engaging underrepresented groups and young people are key goals.

Finally, the plan recognises the harbour’s rich heritage and seeks to preserve and celebrate it while enabling modern growth. Though ambitious, the masterplan is designed to be adaptable, acknowledging that future conditions may require updates over time.

The Masterplan has created a suite of policies, and details a range of projects to enhance and protect the harbour, and ensure that the goals of the harbour’s strategy are delivered.