PLANS have been submitted to Maldon District Council to install a replacement pontoon in Burnham-on-Crouch.

The proposal is to replace the previous ‘Town Steps Pontoon’, which was lost during Storm Eunice in 2022.

The application includes the refurbishment and re-installation of an access walkway and other work.

The new pontoon would restore public access to the waterfront and act as a docking area for a passenger ferry.

The planning application described the previous pontoon as a “popular local attraction” which was used by visitors and residents to access the River Crouch for activities such as crabbing.

The original pontoon was accessed by a walkway hinged at the top of the Town Steps.

A structural inspection carried out in October 2023 found the five piles used by the destroyed pontoon to be in “sound condition” and suitable to be reused.

To ensure the new pontoon is more robust in storm conditions, it is proposed protected floats would be used.

Maldon District Council will rule on the plans at a later date.