Council rejects plea for official footpath around The Camber

The proposals would have seen a public footpath installed around the iconic Old Portsmouth site and added to a definitive map of the city.

Councillor Simon Bosher, cabinet member for transport on Portsmouth City Council, blocked the proposals at the meeting following the advice of council officers in a report.

He explained that due to The Camber acting as a working dock, it would not be feasible to create to introduce a public footpath and still be able to maintain port and dock facilities.

Cllr Bosher stated: 'On the basis of maintaining the existing status quo around the dock, I am happy to agree to the recommendations.'

In addition to this, Cllr Bosher agreed that the Harbour Master should finalise an access policy for the Camber allowing the public to continue to use it subject to its day-to-day running as an operational port.

Similar proposals had been lodged with the council in November 2014 which the council later rejected and the planning inspectorate later dismissed.

Camber Quay is home to the city's inshore fishing fleet with around 20 to 30 vessels landing fresh fish and shellfish there on a daily basis.