Harbour Empowerment and Revision Orders

Statutory Harbour Authorities wishing to amend their existing statutory powers and / or to introduce new powers can do so by making an application to the Marine Management Organisation for a harbour revision or harbour empowerment order under the Harbours Act 1964.  In addition to harbour authorities other third parties including ferry companies, fishing fleets, fishing markets and merchants, shore-side businesses and other harbour users may also be able to apply for harbour revision or harbour empowerment orders.

Harbour orders which authorise the carrying out of development works are known as ‘works orders’.  Those which are administrative by nature (i.e. amending the constitution of a harbour authority or its borrowing powers) are known as ‘non-works orders’.

Under the Harbours Act 1964 the MMO has the power to grant three types of Harbour Order:

1. Section 14 harbour revision orders (HROs)
2. Section 15 and s15A harbour revision orders (HROs)
3. Section 16 harbour empowerment orders (HEOs)

Our experienced team of lawyers headed by Andrew Oldland QC, is able to advise on all aspects of obtaining, opposing and implementing harbour orders, including the interaction between ‘works orders’, marine licensing and terrestrial planning and environmental law (including listed building consent).  A clear understanding of these interactions is vital if authority for development works is to be secured in a time-efficient manner.