Helwick Bank lies 2.5km off Worms Head on Gower

An application was made in 2000 to take a further 4.5m tonnes at Helwick Bank off Worms Head over the next 15 years.

Opponents said dredging had caused the erosion of beaches and cliffs on the south Wales peninsular but the company behind the bid has disputed the claims.

Environment minister Carwyn Jones has now asked the Planning Inspectorate for Wales to hold an inquiry early in 2006.

The Llanelli Sand Dredging Company Ltd applied to the Welsh Assembly Government for a new long-term licence to continue taking sand from the bank five years ago.

We care for 26 miles of the coastline of Gower, including three miles of Rhossili beach, and we want to ensure that it can be enjoyed by future generations Dr Ruth Williams, National Trust

The sand is needed by the construction industry and dredging has continued through short-term agreements.

Mr Jones said the assembly government had held widespread consultations over the past five years but because of the number of objections a public inquiry would now make the final decision.

It will be held within six months.

"Although independent studies do not support claims that dredging harms our beaches, there is great concern among Gower residents and visitors about the potential impact on coastal beaches," he said.

The company wants to extract 300,000 tonnes of sand per year.

Top: Photograph of Horton in the 1960s and below in the 1990s

Dredging at the bank started in the 1950s, although initially only in small amounts. It resumed in 1993 and around 500,000 cubic metres had been removed by 2002.

Campaigners claim it has affected many of the beaches on Gower, the first area in the UK to be designated an area of outstanding natural beauty.

The National Trust has welcomed Monday's announcement.

Dr Ruth Williams, its policy manager for Wales, said: "This is good news for the million or more people who visit Gower every year and the businesses that depend on them.

"We care for 26 miles of the coastline of Gower, including three miles of Rhossili beach, and we want to ensure that it can be enjoyed by future generations."