Council seeks views on extending Ilfracombe Harbour PSPO

Ilfraocmbe harbour drone shot

North Devon Council is inviting residents and stakeholders to have their say on plans to extend the three-year Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) at Ilfracombe Harbour. The original PSPO, introduced on 1 April 2023, has been successful in supporting a fair and safe environment for both visitors and licensed boat trip operators.

The PSPO was initially introduced to address competitive ticket sales during the busy summer months, ensuring that all licensed operators have an equal opportunity to engage with customers without being affected by touting.

If extended, the proposed PSPO will continue to restrict the soliciting of services at Ilfracombe Harbour -whether by word of mouth, leaflets, or other means - unless under the express terms of a licence or with the written permission of the Harbourmaster.

The consultation will run for six weeks from today (Thursday 15 January) until Thursday 26 February. Residents and visitors are encouraged to view the proposals and submit their feedback through the following methods:

  • Online: Visit northdevon.gov.uk/lets-talk and complete the survey
  • By email: consultation@northdevon.gov.uk
  • By post: North Devon Council, PO Box 379, Barnstaple, EX32 2GR
  • Paper copies: Available at the Town Centre Hub in Barnstaple (Green Lanes Shopping Centre), the Ilfracombe Centre, and the Amory Centre, South Molton. Opening hours are listed on the council’s website.

Georgina Carlo-Paat, Ilfracombe Harbour Master, says: “Ilfracombe Harbour offers a fantastic variety of boat trips, from fishing excursions to dolphin watching. Extending the PSPO helps maintain a level playing field for all operators and ensures visitors can choose their trips freely, without pressure. We encourage everyone affected to take part in the consultation.”

All comments must be received by Thursday 26 February 2026 to be considered. Feedback will be considered before any decision is made on extending the PSPO. 

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