Inspector rules the use of a barge in Essex as a Clubhouse, Bar, and Restaurant must cease

The Inspector noted considerable works had been undertaken to the barge to transform it to the current unauthorised Sui Generis A3/A4 Use.

She considered that it now has the size, bulk and mass of a building and that a material change of use had occurred.

The barge is now much larger than any of the small boats within the marina and as the vessel has not moved for at least 18 years it should now be considered a ‘permanent feature at the marina’.

The inspector concluded that the barge should be considered a building and that the works undertaken to the barge constitute building operations for which planning permission is required.

03 July 2018