The Sussex Wildlife Trust has issued a formal clarification regarding the disposal of silt from Brighton Marina, distancing itself from suggestions that a move to a Newhaven site is a settled matter. The trust is instead calling for a “deep-sea” disposal solution to protect sensitive marine environments along the coast.
In a statement released on 16 September 2026, the trust confirmed it does not yet endorse a proposal by Premier Marinas to use a disposal site near Newhaven Harbour. The trust argues that sediment should be taken much further offshore to prevent damage to the Beachy Head West Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ), a protected area known for its rare intertidal chalk reefs.
The dispute follows a significant legal ruling in November 2025, when a 10-year licence to dump sediment off Rottingdean was quashed by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) after a successful legal challenge. The decision forced the marina’s operators to seek alternative locations for the thousands of tonnes of silt and sand that must be removed annually to maintain safe vessel access.
Premier Marinas, which operates Brighton Marina, has announced its intention to apply for a new licence to use the Newhaven site starting in spring 2027. The company maintains that regular dredging is a legal and practical necessity for the marina’s operations. According to reported figures, the marina contributes an estimated £130 million to the regional economy every year.
Regional Precedents
The outcome of the licensing battle is being watched closely across the South Coast. Premier Marinas also owns and operates Chichester Marina at Birdham, and environmental precedents set at one site frequently influence the company’s regional maritime and environmental policies. If the Sussex Wildlife Trust successfully forces a deep-water disposal requirement, it could set a new standard for how silt from West Sussex marinas is handled in the future.
The trust remains concerned that the proposed Newhaven site is adjacent to the Beachy Head West MCZ. Environmentalists argue that fine sediment dumped nearshore can settle on the unique chalk reef, smothering blue mussel beds and disrupting the delicate ecosystem. Details on the current status of the Brighton Marina dredge and disposal licence are maintained by the MMO.
While Premier Marinas views the Newhaven site as a viable alternative to the now-prohibited Rottingdean location, the Sussex Wildlife Trust has maintained that any nearshore dumping carries unacceptable risks. The trust’s 16 September clarification emphasizes that until a site is found that is sufficiently far offshore to avoid impacting the conservation zone, they will continue to oppose the current proposals.
For now, dredging continues under short-term arrangements where necessary, but a long-term solution remains elusive. The MMO will be required to assess the environmental impact of any new formal application submitted by Premier Marinas before a permanent licence can be granted for 2027 and beyond.
