Houseboats and Residential Craft
Houseboats and boats used as permanent dwellings
The Broads has national park status and part of the Broads Authority's responsibility it to maintain both the landscape beauty and the conservation value of the area.
For the same reasons that it was given national park status, it is a popular area for visitors who come to enjoy its special qualities and character. It is also a popular area in which to live and we value the contributions that both visitors and residents make to the local communities.
Because of these special qualities, people sometimes wish to combine living on the Broads with an enjoyment of the water and ask about living in the Broads on a boat.
We consider that the appearance of houseboats and residential craft, together with the associated use of the river-bank, can be damaging to the character and appearance of the Broads. Residential use of boats tends also to create a demand for facilities which are often inappropriate in a rural riverside setting, such as provision of water or pump-out facilities or boardwalks to provide safe footing on soft ground. There is also an increased risk of pollution, particularly if these facilities are not provided, or damage and disturbance to wildlife. Given the special character and importance of the Broads, it is considered that the use of residential craft is inappropriate.
The permanent mooring of a residential houseboat is development which requires planning permission and our planning policies do not permit any further houseboats or the use of craft for residential purposes.
There are a number of houseboats within the Broads which have been established over a number of years, with concentrations in locations including Horning, Hickling, Wayford Bridge and Oulton Broad. Some of these are particularly intrusive and we will seek their removal. This is normally done be negotiating their removal, possibly to a less intrusive location. We will also take prompt and effective action where there is use of a residential boat without planning permission and this can result in enforcement action or a prosecution.
We welcome and encourage the use of the rivers and broads by visitors and residents alike. In adopting the above approach we are protecting the special qualities and character of the Broads for all to enjoy.
