A 1.8m security fence will be erected around Manly Sailing Club on the Manly beachfront reserve, providing a secure boat storage area.
The club requested the permission of the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board to erect the fence, which is within the area it leases for a peppercorn rental from Auckland Council.
Last week the local board gave its approval, with the proviso that landscaping be provided to soften the visual impact of the fence.
Club commodore, Sir Russell Coutts told the local board last week that the youth sailing programme he runs is growing fast, with 125 currently taking part.
He said that the club is struggling to cope with the numbers and the additional storage area provided by a fence will be only part of the solution.
Elaine Hogg, who lives next door to the club, said that she is concerned about the amount of public reserve space the sailing activities take up, reducing public access and creating health and safety issues.
This issue was also raised by other beach users with local board member Vicki Watson, who said that as the club grows congestion on the site is likely to become even more of a problem.
Mrs Hogg said once the fence goes up, the club should have to restrict its activities to within the fenceline.
However, local board chair Julia Parfitt said the club needs to work with the local board to develop protocols around public access and where boats are rigged to ensure the reserve is safe, accessible and usable for everyone.
Hibiscus Matters understands that after the meeting the local board added a Health and Safety clause into its fence approval, which will ensure there is a clear pathway in front of sailing club.
Council’s land use advisor, Raewyn Sendles told the local board at the meeting that the club’s plans to extend its clubhouse and store boats on Manly Bowling Club land opposite (HM December 1, 2017) are currently on hold. This is because the local board is currently working on an Open Space Management Plan, which will cover all its parks and reserves. When complete, this could provide for the club’s expansion plans, Ms Sendles said.
