Please allow me to repeat my post from an earlier thread on the same topic:
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There is a very simple and obvious solution to this problem but I bet CaRT are not brave enough:
Where a house owner wants to "own" a section of waterway outside their waterside home then they apply to CaRT and pay for a "non mooring" , just like we pay for a mooring!
As they desire to have exclusive use of this section of bank (to get a view of the water without a boat) I suggest they should pay about 90% of what CaRT assess to be the going rate for a mooring in that area.
There would be a clause stating that in no circumstances can they then moor a boat in that spot, not even if it belongs to one of their friends!!! A non mooring can NOT be converted to a private mooring.
CRT would need to assess the suitability of having a "non mooring" just like they assess the suitability of any "end of garden" type mooring and permission would be refused if a non-mooring was likely to be harmful to local businesses etc.
A long line of non-moorings would not be allowed!
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This is actually a semi-serious suggestion.
I suspect there would only be a very small uptake of this offer but it would be good because it would make it clear to residents who choose not to pay that they really have no control over the towpath and that the canal edge has a real value. Those who do pay would have signed a contract that makes it very clear exactly what rights they do and don't have, so no chance of slow encroachment.
I suspect the main downside is that the type of person who would take up this offer would be the type that expects a level of enforcement that is just not viable, and also might exhibit aggressive behaviour towards any boater who ignored the signs.
I like the idea of a CaRT sign with a "non mooring" licence that has to be displayed and renewed each year!
.............Dave.