Dedicated planning helpline 

For RYA affiliated sailing clubs

RYA clubs, training centres and members throughout the UK have access to a dedicated Planning Helpline to assist with all types of planning queries from the development of their own, or neighbouring facilities which may have potential to impact sailing facilities. This is courtesy of Zyda Law, a specialist planning and environmental law firm.

It’s easy to use the Planning Helpline by either visiting www.zydalaw.com, and logging your query, or emailing: secretary@zydalaw.com. Initial advice will be given free of charge.

Depending on the nature of your query, Zyda Law aim to issue a written response, detailing options and recommendations within 36 hours. You may get the answer within that initial contact, however for more complex queries or assistance Zyda Law will advise you in writing on your best options to proceed.

Zyda Law is a LEGAL500 ‘Leading UK Firm’ recognised for its expertise in marine planning and environmental law throughout England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. They have been working with the RYA, updating The RYA Planning Handbook.

Through the Planning Helpline, Zyda Law have assisted several RYA affiliated clubs in addressing planning and environmental law issues associated with their use of land and water, or proposed neighbour developments.

One such achievement includes acting for Tideway Sailability and successfully preventing the instalment of a yacht marina at the Greenland Dock, London; designed to host visiting yachts during the Olympics which would have acted to the detriment of the local sailing centre. Since the 1980s the Greenland Dock has seen substantial redevelopment and several residential blocks have been constructed. With the construction of a new watersports centre, the dock is now a popular site for sailing, windsurfing, canoeing and even dragon boating.

The site is the base of operations for Tideway Sailability and the proposal would have severely curtailed the group’s ability to continue to support both abled and disabled members enjoyment of sailing.

Zyda Law focused on the UK and EU legislation and national and local planning policies material to the application; identifying legal breaches of EU Environmental Impact Assessment legislation and non-compliance with the adopted local planning policy framework. A substantive letter of objection was drawn up in conjunction with Tideway Sailability and Zyda Law engaged directly with the planning authority to ensure the objection was fully reported to the Development Control Committee. The local planning authority accepted the objection and refused the application.

For more information on planning for boating facilities click here