A High Court judge has upheld a planning inspector’s decision to allow boats to moor by the mouth of the River Brent.

Mr Justice Williams threw out an appeal by campaigners who claimed the plans, which will partially obstruct Ferry Quay, in Brentford, would make it dangerous for vessels to navigate the waterway.

Nigel Moore, chairman of Brentford Waterside Forum, argued that the inspector should have refused permission for the moorings because Government policy was to increase freight traffic on rivers to reduce congestion on roads.

He said: “This is a sad reflection on the failure of authority to protect the interests of the public despite consulted policy.”

The plans will see leisure moorings installed along 180 metres of the river, with a further 22 metres set aside for visitor moorings.

Judge Williams said moored boats would intrude between five and six metres into the waterway.

Mr Moore said following the High Court ruling on Monday that he will consider taking the case to the Court of Appeal.

He added: “It is a disappointing result that only goes to demonstrate how robust our planning policies really need to be in order to protect the potential of the waterways for maximising their contribution for environmental benefit.”

Judge Williams said: "It is true that increased use of the river by freight traffic was supported by national policy.

“However, there was no evidence before the inspector so far as I can discern from which she could sensibly predict whether and, just as importantly, when any increase in freight traffic on this river would increase by more than a negligible amount.”

He added: "It is also to be observed that the inspector concluded that the proposed development was not merely unobjectionable in principle but also provided positive benefits; further it accorded with local policy relating to recreational development.

“None of these findings are or could be criticised and, accordingly, such positive benefits had to be weighed against any negative effects of the development.”

Ian Runeckles, strategic planning manager for British Waterways, said: "We welcome the High Court's decision backing new moorings on the River Brent. We believe these plans will encourage more boats, animation and interest to this important gateway to the inland waterway network."