A NEW application has been submitted for a watersports centre at Weir Quay which addresses concerns of the Environment Agency.

Weir Quay Community Watersports is hoping to create a new joint base by the River Tamar for two local clubs, Weir Quay Sailing Club and Tamar and Tavy Gig Club.

The group says use of temporary toilet and inner boat parking facilities are to be withdrawn in October, leaving the gig club with no facilities.

Continued use of the outer boat park is uncertain but if terminated the clubs would lose 75% of available space, leaving the sailing club with very limited boat parking.

Mike Poole from the watersports group said the proposed site, across the road from the only public access to the Tamar in West Devon, was two or three metres above road level.

The options reviewed included several kinds of lift, inclined plane and ramps at various angles and designs with capstans or winches.

The Environment Agency had raised objections to the original application, insisting that spoil should be removed from the site and dumped as waste, rather than being spread higher up the site as first proposed.

Mr Poole said that after considering all the options, it was felt the best and most practical solution for future use was the plan originally submitted, but with the spoil taken off-site.

'This plan lowers the entrance to road level and creates a gently sloping boat parking area above road level, allowing simple access for boats,' he said.

'It will be suitable for all our club members, including children, the youth training squad, members with disabilities, and elderly members.

'The entrance is revised to improve appearance and reduce cost. A planned outboard store has been dropped and the boat shed has been altered to allow a simple changing area and toilet.'

There are around 350 members in the Weir Quay Sailing Club and the Tamar and Tavy Gig Club. A new base would provide a clubhouse which has not existed before.

There were objections to the original plan from local residents because of the sensitivity of the area and concerns over an increase in traffic although the plans were supported by the parish council.