Guarded welcome for harbour plans

Mr McLean said the expansion would attract clients "twice over"

Harbour officials have given a cautious welcome to plans to quadruple the number of moorings at Porthmadog.

Developer David McLean has submitted plans to boost the number of boat moorings from 10, to between 45-50.

Mr McLean, 64, said the expansion would form part of a £1m facelift for the Gwynedd Marine boat yard, to meet modern-day sailing needs.

Porthmadog Harbour Consultative Committee said more talks were needed, but accepted the idea in principle.

Mr McLean, president of the Deeside-based David McLean (Holdings) Ltd, is also involved in the construction of a £10m luxury hotel on the White House Hotel site in Abersoch.

I am not too sure if the area under consideration is suitable at times of high tides Dr John Jones Morris, Madoc Yacht Club

He said there was a "clear need" for more pontoons in Porthmadog harbour.

He said: "I am convinced that I will be able to attract clients twice over for those that I have in mind at Gwynedd Marine."

He said the area around Porthmadog was "the best part of the world as far as tourism, and sailing in particular, are concerned."

Maritime officer Barry Davies told the harbour's committee the size of the area and the pontoons should be considered in relation to the narrowness of the estuary.

Madoc Yacht Club secretary, retired GP John Jones Morris, emphasised the need to ensure the council did not lose any income.

He added: "I am not too sure if the area under consideration is suitable at times of high tides, and I doubt if the boats would be safe there."

In the past, plans to expand Pwllheli, another Gwynedd marina, have failed because of fears an influx of non-Welsh speakers could damage the traditional language heartland.