Update regarding proposed pontoons at Heigham Sound

The Broads Authority has listened carefully to the comments made by several members of its Navigation Committee and other stakeholders on the proposal to replace the end of life piling at Heigham Sound with pontoons.

Concerns were raised to the Authority about narrowing the river, access to the bank and the overall length of mooring retained.

In the light of this, the Authority has decided to withdraw its planning application and consider alternative options.

The replacement of the current steel piling with like-for-like may be unaffordable, especially given that other sites have similar issues. As always with the maintenance of the Broads there are no easy answers. Once other solutions have been explored, costed and appraised they will be presented to the Navigation Committee.

We thank you for your feedback and understanding.

Wednesday 12 November 2025