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Marina applies to disperse dredged material in sea

Joshua AskewSouth East
News imagePremier Marinas A marina is seen from above on a sunny day. Premier Marinas
The marina said the activity is "tightly regulated"

The owners of Brighton Marina have said they are seeking permission to dredge the site and dispose of the material in the sea.

Premier Marinas said the one-year interim licence is needed to keep the harbour safe and accessible.

Sussex Wildlife Trust oppose what they call the "damaging activity" as they claim dredged sediment harms wildlife and contains pollutants.

A spokesperson for Brighton Marina said dredging and dispersal has taken place for decades and is "tightly regulated".

"The material is tested, monitored and subject to strict licence conditions," they added.

It comes after Premier Marinas' previous licence was quashed on procedural grounds.

'Black, thick, slimy'

The dredged sediment is disposed of at a site in Rottingdean, which sits in the Beachy Head West Marine Conservation Zone.

Campaigners previously told the BBC material from dredging fills nearby rock pools with a "black, thick, slimy, petrochemically smelling sludge".

Premier Marinas has said dredged silt is not harmful to the environment.

"All available evidence supports continued dispersal," it said.

News imageLeanne Rinne/BBC A rocky beach with the sun setting. Leanne Rinne/BBC
Campaigners say local rock pools fill with sludge after dredging

Premier Marinas said the temporary licence was needed while a "longer-term solution is determined".

Chris Ward, MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, said local residents strongly opposed the activity.

"It simply isn't appropriate to dump this waste in a site so close to our coastline," he said.

The Labour MP added he would continue pushing with residents and environmental groups for a "better solution".

News imageLeanne Rinne/BBC A score of protesters hold placards and flagsLeanne Rinne/BBC
People have protested in the past near the Brighton Marina

The Beachy Head West Marine Conservation Zone contains some of the best examples of chalk habitat in the South East region, according to a report.

It said the site supports specialised communities of animals, seaweeds and the rare short-snouted seahorse.

The Marine Management Organisation will now consider the application.

It opened a public consultation period on 6 March.

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