A new plan to install a crane for launching boats on the River Wye in Hereford has been put forward, marking a significant scaling-back of a previously rejected larger scheme.
Revised plan follows rejected comprehensive scheme
Hereford Rowing Club has submitted a planning application (reference 253034) for a five-metre-tall davit arm crane. It would be positioned in front of the club's headquarters on the river's north bank. The club is applying in partnership with Vaga Marine Services, a community interest company.
This new proposal comes after councillors rejected a more extensive "Wyeside" initiative in October 2024. That larger project, which had secured Government Stronger Towns Fund backing, included plans for a new boat slipway, hard standing area and pedestrian route. It was turned down due to potential effects on the protected waterway, following environmental concerns raised by Natural England.
Key benefits of the proposed crane
The primary aim of the new crane is to increase the efficiency of launching boats for the emergency services. According to the application, around eight emergency vessel launches occur on this section of the river each year. Currently, these are launched from the club's steps and other nearby locations.
The club states the device would also significantly reduce the risk of river bed and bankside disturbance from its own boat launches. Importantly, the proposal does not involve increasing the frequency of the club's launches. By using a crane, the need to manually manoeuvre boats in and out of the water from the bank would be eliminated.
Next steps and public consultation
With no construction planned directly on the riverbank itself in this revised plan, the club hopes for a more favourable outcome. Members of the public can submit feedback on the application until 18 January 2026. A decision from the planning authority is expected around 28 January, just ten days after the consultation closes.
This proposal represents a pragmatic attempt to address operational needs for both the rowing club and emergency responders, while aiming to minimise the environmental impact that scuppered the earlier, more ambitious scheme.
