Fencing and solar panels appear to have been installed next to some boats on the river, which the council said is prohibited
Cambridge City Council has confirmed the number of boats mooring without permission on the River Cam – while 25 applicants are waiting for a permanent mooring. There are currently nine boats believed to be mooring without permission, and two boats believed to be in breach of licence conditions.
An email from the chief executive of the council, seen by CambridgeshireLive, said the council was aware of ‘some’ boats mooring without permission or in breach of licence conditions. A council spokesperson has since confirmed the figures.
The waiting list for permanent residential moorings in central Cambridge has been closed since 2022. It currently has around 25 applicants and is expected to reopen in the spring.
CambridgeshireLive has also been made aware of areas on the river where fencing and solar panels appear to have been installed next to some boats. These items have been said to prevent access to the riverside by members of the public.
A council spokesperson said: “The terms and conditions of Cambridge City Council’s Mooring Licence (Residential) prohibit any temporary or permanent structures on the riverbank beside moored boats. When structures are found, licence holders are instructed to remove them. If they fail to do so the council may terminate the licence.”
They added: “The council’s enforcement team carries out regular river patrols, and there are also ad hoc inspections from other council officers. The council has a number of enforcement options to ensure licence holders comply with the terms and conditions of their licence agreement.
“These include a requirement for immediate compliance, the termination of a licence, the removal of a boat when a licence ends, and seeking a court injunction or possession order if required.
“Action against boats believed to be mooring without permission or in breach of their licence conditions will be taken as soon as the council’s legal team can prepare statements and secure court dates, now that both locks have reopened.”