The last 20 years has seen steady growth in boat ownership on our inland waterway network. Demographic and lifestyle trends point to further growth over the coming decade. Boats require secure long term moorings and we will work with private landowners/developers to facilitate quality inland marinas to meet future requirements.

The purpose of this site is to facilitate successful canal marina and lay-by developments by providing specialist information. It includes market analysis, illustrative investment cases and advice on identifying potentially suitable sites. It explains our requirements and recommendations of schemes that will connect to our network, our application process and our role through the planning and development process. It also contains a wealth of other useful references and links. The site assumes that the developer already has a basic understanding of the construction, property development and planning processes. Its emphasis therefore is on aspects specific to marinas. Marina development and construction carries risks similar to those of any development project, so access to sound professional advice, which is independent of this guide, is essential.

Marina development can be a complex process but we are committed to supporting and facilitating developers through this process with our dedicated New Marinas Unit and with the information provided on this site. We will work with private landowners/developers to facilitate further new marina developments across our network.

In addition, if a proposed canal marina or lay-by development includes any of the following related works then the Code of Practice for Works Affecting British Waterways will apply to those aspects:

• Service Crossings
• Water abstraction and discharge
• The installation of services in the towpath
• Demolition
• Future maintenance works affecting British Waterways' Property
• Diving Operations
• Hydropower and leisure facilities requiring water abstraction

Marina development can be a complex process but we are committed to supporting and facilitating developers through this process with our dedicated New Marinas Unit and with the information provided on this site. We will work with private landowners/developers to facilitate further new marina developments across our network.