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Islington Tribune - by PETER GRUNER
Published: 21 December 2007

Councillor Paul Convery with resident Dermot Kehoe

Boats too close for comfort, protest canalside neighbours

British Waterways under fire over moorings ‘up against our windows’

CANALSIDE residents in King’s Cross are embroiled in a row with British Waterways over plans for boat moorings within feet of their homes.
For 10 years, residents at Battlebridge Basin have been living in harmony with the owners of 28 canal boats tied up at Ice Wharf moorings, three to four yards away from their homes.
They say that occasionally they have to put up with noise and smoke drifting from boats into their homes (canal boats are not subject to smokeless zone rules).
But six planned new moorings include three that will be within feet of someone’s front room.
Islington Council’s Labour-controlled west area committee has castigated British Waterways for not seeking planning permission for the new moorings. But council officials say there is insufficient legal justification to take action against British Waterways.
Resident Dermot Kehoe, who works for the Social Market Foundation charity, said British Waterways was being completely unreasonable.
He added: “We’re not against narrow boats. We get on really well with the owners. We’ve enjoyed barbecues with them. But we don’t need them moored virtually up against our windows.
“In my case, I’ve had smoke pouring into my flat. With the new moorings we will be able to look straight into the boat’s living space.
“I don’t know whether it is greed or incompetence with British Waterways. There are planning rules for a reason but British Waterways don’t appear to want to use them.”
Labour councillor Paul Convery, who chairs the west area committee, said: “How is it right that a corporation can get away with anything but if a person changes something without permission the officers would be on their case?”
A British Waterways spokeswoman said: “We are confident we have consent.”
Lib Dem councillor Lucy Watt, executive member for environment, said: “Having sought advice the council has been advised that action would be inappropriate. We sympathise with residents’ concerns and are raising these issues with British Waterways.”

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