24/10/2005

Proposals to dredge sand at Helwick Bank, off Worms Head on the Gower Peninsula, some 2.5km from the nearest coast,
for 15 years are to be the be subject to a public inquiry, it was announced today by the Minister for Environment, Planning and Countryside Carwyn Jones .

The Minister decided that, because of a number of outstanding objections to the application to dredge 300,000 tonnes of sand a year, it is appropriate for the Planning Inspectorate for Wales to hold an inquiry.

Carwyn Jones said: "We have already been out to consultation on proposals from Llanelli Sand Dredging Ltd to dredge from Helwick Bank, and have considered responses from many organisations and individuals both in favour and against the application.

"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.

"Our policy on dredging in the Bristol Channel and Severn Estuary takes a precautionary approach. While there is no evidence of a link between dredging and beach erosion, I believe that moving dredging further offshore and to the outer channel areas better fits our policy on sustainable development.

"It is vital to the Welsh economy that the construction industry has an adequate supply of minerals. It is unlikely in the foreseeable future that the marine-dredged sand could be replaced to any great degree from other sources. We will, however, continue working with the industry to encourage efficient and appropriate use of dredged aggregates."

Llanelli Sand Dredging Ltd applied to extract 4.5 million tonnes at a rate of 300,000 tonnes per year for 15 years. (Rising by 50,000 a year over three years, from an initial 150,000). This would be taken in 2-3 dredging campaigns per year, each of 7-11 weeks duration.

Dredging on the Bank started in the 1950s, although initially only in small amounts. About 740,000 tonnes were removed up to 1990. Dredging started again in 1993, with some half million cubic metres taken until 2002.

The proposal lies within the Carmarthen Bay and Estuaries SAC and will need Appropriate Assessment under the spirit of the Habitats Directive.

Following the three phases of public consultation, in spring 2003, 2004 and 2005, there are still concerns raised by a number of bodies. The main objections are from some local authorities and members of the public who believe that there are changes to the beaches as a consequence of dredging.

The Planning Inspectorate will follow the spirit of planning procedure rules. They aim to commence the hearing or inquiry within 22 weeks of the notification.