Residents over 17 districts with a view of the River Theems have been transferred about proposed changes that could see them pay thousands more in license costs for having balconies on their flats.
The Port of London Authority (PLA) tries to change the Port of London ACT 1968 – the ruling legal framework – via a Harbor Revision Order (HRO), which would change its indictment regime.
But the move was closed as a 'power grab' and a 'racket' designed to 'extract more money from river residents'.
One of the most controversial aspects of the proposal is a steep rise in the costs for river work descendants, including the installation of balconies with a view of the Thames. In the past decade, these costs have risen by more than £ 10,000 per real estate.
At the start of a three -week public investigation that started last week, objects criticized the PLA, with the argument that it works without sufficient regulations or supervision, so that it can determine prices as it wants.
Simon Anthony, a retired chartered accountant who lives in Cubitt Wharf on the island of dogs, noticed the approach of the PLA 'A abuse of power'.
He smoked: 'The PLA has been abusing his considerable powers for decades, even a private criminal persecution in an attempt to extract more money from the river dwellers.
'It has charged residents more and more excessive amounts for their balconies, rainwater failure and no longer used “Campsheds”, who all dubiously classify it as commercial “works”.
“For example, these costs are blown up in such a way that residents with balconies now pay more per square meter than their flats are worth – ten times more per square meter river than the enormously profitable London Eye.”
James Haas, a resident who manages the situation for 24 apartments in Oliver's Wharf, revealed that the costs for their balconies have risen by more than £ 10,000 in recent years in
Oliver's Werf. James warned: 'If this compound annual growth rate will continue for the next 20 years, we will pay £ 65,000 for our balconies'
Abel Ducloux (right), another affected resident who represents Roneo Wharf, described the situation as a 'Mafia-on-Thames' operation
Abel said: “One of my neighbors is asked about £ 3,000 a year for a balcony of the same size [as my own]. 'Displayed: Abel's balcony on Roneo Wharf
Abel Ducloux, another affected resident who represents Roneo Wharf, described the situation as an 'mafia-on-Thames' operation, pointing to the absurdity of accusation of a balcony that only overtakes the water.
He said: 'There is a question whether a balcony is primarily a riverwork: the balcony does not rest on the water or floats on it.
'The PLA claims to possess the river bed, while they can actually keep it in confidence, but do not necessarily have the right to charge for violation, ie overhang.
'One of my neighbors is asked about £ 3,000 a year for a balcony of the same size. The owner of the flat directly above me pays what I pay for the same balcony five times. The reason that the PLA can get away with this is that they are a monopoly and do not answer anyone. '
James Haas, a resident who manages the situation for 24 apartments in Oliver's Wharf, revealed that the costs for their balconies have risen by more than £ 10,000 in recent years.
'In 2016 we received a letter from the Port of London Authority that they had forgotten to apply the assessments, and that is why we should be retrieved retroactively for what they would have sued us if the assessment had taken place. This meant that the costs would rise by 60 or 70 percent in one go, “he explained.
Although he initially fought against the increase, the threat of an expensive legal battle they could lose, residents were forced to accept the higher costs.
He warned: “If this composite annual growth rate continues for the next 20 years, we will pay £ 65,000 for our balconies.”
Residents with balconies in Cubitt Wharf (photo) now pay more per square meter than their flats are worth
Simon Anthony, a retired chartered accountant who lives in Cubitt Wharf on the island of dogs, noticed the approach of the PLA 'A abuse of power'. Here with Ralph Hardwick who represents the River Residents Group
Simon Fumed: “The PLA has been abusing its considerable powers for decades and has even brought a private criminal persecution in an attempt to extract more money from river residents.” Shown: the view from the balcony of Simon above Cubitt Wharf
David Beaumont of the organization of PLA customers exposed the shocking scale of the walks and stated that some residents had seen their reimbursements rise by 500 percent.
He condemned the move as a blatant attempt by a 'non-regulated, self-operated Quango' to increase his financial grip on river users.
He said: “The PLA, as it is now, was created by their own private law of Parliament in 1968. Their Harbor Harbor Revision Order (HRO) is a power grip that significantly enlarged the legal privileges they regulated for themselves in 1968 – but this time without the discomfort to have to go through parliament.”
Ralph Hardwick, who spoke to the public research on behalf of the River Residents Group last week, argued that the HRO would enable the PLA to earn more income and at the same time circumvent essential environmental responsibilities.
He said: “The HRO is looking for more power and income for the PLA, while refusing to strengthen his involvement in pollution resulting from the use of the Thames by the ships that allows it and licenses or transparency and accountability.”
He added: 'The PLA claims that the goal is to leave the Thames better than it found and we welcome that goal. But we say this is not the HRO for that task. '
However, the PLA has defended its actions and stated that his approach follows the guidelines of the Department for Transport for the port authorities to 'keep their powers … to be revised'.
The investigation follows an earlier public consultation between August and October 2021, in which various objections were increased to the proposals of the PLA.
The PLA, who has managed the Thames since its founding in 1908, supervises a huge 248 square kilometer waterway.
The PLA has been approached for comment.
