Thousands Object To Brighton Marina Dredging Plans In Protected Waters

(c) Premier Marinas

More than 6,000 people have raised objections to plans to dump dredged sediment in a protected marine area off the Sussex coast, according to the Sussex Wildlife Trust.

The charity says thousands responded to a public consultation on whether Brighton Marina should dispose of material in the Beachy Head West Marine Conservation Zone.

Concerns have been raised that the practice could damage what’s been described as a “nationally important wildlife hotspot” stretching from Brighton to Eastbourne.

However, Premier Marinas, which owns the marina, says dredging is essential to keep the harbour safe for boats.

A spokesperson says the process is tightly regulated, with all sediment tested and subject to strict licensing controls.

Campaigners have previously claimed that dumping left behind a “black, thick, slimy” substance in rock pools, prompting protests against the practice.

The marina operator disputes this, insisting the material is not harmful to the environment.

Sarah Ward, from the Sussex Wildlife Trust, described the level of response to the consultation by the Marine Management Organisation as “remarkable”, saying it sends a clear message about how strongly people feel about protecting marine conservation zones.

A report highlights that the Beachy Head West Marine Conservation Zone supports specialised marine life, including rare short-snouted seahorses.

The Marine Management Organisation says all responses to the consultation, which closed earlier this month, will now be carefully reviewed before a decision is made on whether dredging can go ahead.

Premier Marinas has applied for a one-year interim licence after a previous application was quashed on procedural grounds.

The company says the temporary approval would allow time to develop a longer-term solution, adding that protecting the coastline remains a key priority.