A project to build a 145-berth leisure marina in an Isle of Wight harbour will have a likely ‘significant effect’ on the Solent Maritime Special Area of Conservation (SAC), Natural England has said.
Writing to County Hall’s planning department, the public body warned of a ‘permanent loss’ of SAC features from Cowes Harbour Commission’s application and said a Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) will be needed.
Protecting habitats or species
SACs are areas designated by the government to protect habitats or species and HRAs test if a plan or project may significantly harm them.
The Harbour Commission’s agent, Rainey Petrie Architecture, has said environmental responsibility is ‘embedded throughout’ the project.
“The application will have a likely significant effect on the Solent Maritime SAC”
Natural England told planners,
“It is Natural England’s advice that the proposal is not directly connected with or necessary for the management of the European (protected) site and, on the basis of the information supplied, the application will have a likely significant effect on the Solent Maritime SAC including the permanent loss of SAC features.
“The proposal therefore needs to be formally checked and confirmed by your authority, as the competent authority, via an appropriate assessment, in accordance with the Conservation of Habitats & Species Regulations 2017 (as amended).
“Mitigation measures can be considered during an appropriate assessment, to determine whether a plan or project will have an adverse effect on the integrity of the European site.”
“Environmental responsibility is embedded throughout”
Rainey Petrie Architecture’s Planning Statement said the applicant’s ecology and habitats commitments include minimal dredging, sustainable piling methods, the protection of seagrass, mudflat and intertidal habitats.
It said,
“Environmental responsibility is embedded throughout, from the protection of sensitive marine habitats to the adoption of sustainable piling methods, reduced dredging impacts, downward-directed lighting and CHC’s commitment to measurable carbon reduction.
“The marina is designed to adapt to sea-level rise and climate change, ensuring resilience, longevity and low-impact operation.”
View the plans
You can view the plans on the council’s planning register (26/00159/FUL).
The public consultation runs until 21st April and a decision is due by 22nd June 2026.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
