Surfing at Brighton Marina in jeopardy yet again
Details taken from Shredhead's original post on the sharkboard..

(Scroll down for updates)

Surfing at the Marina is under threat from a proposed building on top of and overhanging the eastern breakwater that would result in 186 piles (concrete columns) being sunk into the beach and seabed in the rip next to the Marina wall.

The planning application details are here: http://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/index.cfm?request=b1151084&action=showDetail&application_number=BH2008%2F02816

The planning application documents do not refer to the effect on the Brighton area’s top surf spot.

To help stop this happening, go to the above web site, click on ‘make a comment’ and fill in the online form. Stress that this proposal does not take properly take account of the impact on the top surf spot in the area and is contrary to the Brighton and Hove Local Plan policies SU7 (Development within the Coastal Zone), SR18 (Seafront Recreation) (which says ‘There will be no development onto the beach, the development does not have an adverse impact on nature conservation interests; and any development enables the beach and seafront to be accessible to all.’) and SR20 (Protection of public and private outdoor recreation space). It will also damage a valuable wildlife habitat and is contrary to policy NC2 (Sites of national importance for nature conservation).

It is also a good idea to copy your objection to your local councilor. You can find out who this is by going here: http://present.brighton-hove.gov.uk/mgMemberIndex.aspx?bcr=1 

You can also ask the British Surfing Association (duncansa@hotmail.com) and Sport England (john.feetam@sportengland.org) to object to the application.

A letter to the Argus will help: http://www.theargus.co.uk/news/letters/sendaletter/

Join the Facebook group "Save Brighton Marina Surf Beach": http://www.facebook.com/n/?group.php&gid=47694909680

Keep up-to-date by checking the thread on the sharkboard

Also. make sure you sign the petition now

Updates:

The campaign against the development on the Eastern arm of Brighton Marina has been led by local surfer Mat Hammond. Mat and numerous interested parties have set up the framework to get the Council to turn down the planning permission.

Mat says “I would like to thank everyone who has gone on the Council Planning Web site and made comments against the planning application. I also would like to thank everyone who has signed the online petition”.

An online group on Facebook now has over 500 people who have joined the group to oppose the development.

Mat would like to publicly thank the following people who have been of help so far;

• Ben Farwagi

• David Somerville

• James Onslow

• Jock Patterson

• Cliff Cox

• Simon Kirby

• Ryan Edwards

• Steve Darch
  
  
• The Brighton Marina Residents Association

There are others who have helped (sorry if we have missed you this time) but you will get a mention. There are others who are working behind the scenes who wish to remain anonymous at this time.

A big thank you also goes out top the following companies/web sites;

• The Argus

• Sharkbait

• Ocean Sports

• A1 Surf

• 6ft Offshore

• Filf

We are hoping to announce the setting up of a Surf Contest and maybe some celebrity support in due course."

The biggest thank you goes to Mat Hammond for coordinating the campaign. He and all those involved are currently preparing for the planning meeting in February 2009

The plan of how it could look is here.. http://wam.brighton-hove.gov.uk/PlanningWAM/doc/Drawing(s)-1191963.pdf?extension=.pdf&id=1191963&location=VOLUME3&contentType=application/pdf&pageCount=1

This site is oppose to the complete marina development and is also worth a look...www.savebrighton.com