The Protection of Wrecks (Designation) (England) Order 2016

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order designates the areas within 50 metres of the sites of two wrecks in the English Channel and the area within 85 metres of the site of two wrecks in the River Hamble as restricted areas for the purposes of the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973.

These areas are believed to be the wreck sites of: the vessel “HMS A3” lying in the English Channel near Portland Bill, Dorset; the vessel “SM U-8” lying in the English Channel to the west of the southern end of the Varne Sandbank, off Folkestone, Kent; and the vessels “Grace Dieu” and “Holigost” lying in the River Hamble, Hampshire. The Secretary of State is satisfied that these sites ought to be protected from unauthorised interference on account of the vessels’ historical and archaeological importance.

Under section 1(3) of that Act, it is a criminal offence for a person to engage in certain activities in a restricted area, except under the authority of a licence issued by the Secretary of State.

The area around the wreck site of the Grace Dieu was previously designated as a restricted area under the Protection of Wrecks (Designation No. 2) Order 1974. This Order adjusts the position of the restricted area and extends its radius to 85 metres so that it now also includes the wreck site of the Holigost and revokes the 1974 Order.

An impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no significant impact is foreseen on the private, voluntary or public sectors.