Brighton Marina Dredge and Disposal – Interim 1 Year Licence
Case name: Brighton Marina Dredge and Disposal – Interim 1 Year Licence application (MLA/2026/00065).
Update 18 September 2026
Marine licence application MLA 2026/00065 is on hold while alternative disposal options are explored by the applicant.
Further information on MLA/2024/00394 is available on GOV.UK.
Update 06 April 2026
The MMO received a number of public representations for MLA/2026/00065 opposing the renewal of the licence on the basis that the disposal site is located within the Beachy Head West Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ). The MMO is currently processing these responses.
The responses are now available on the public register on GOV.UK - search for the case using the marine licence application reference above.
Case details
- Case name: Brighton Marina Dredge and Disposal – Interim 1 Year Licence
- Applicant name: Premier Marinas
- Marine licence application reference number: MLA/2026/00065
- Type of application: Disposal
- Date received: January 2026
- Date Determined: On hold
- Location: Brighton Marina and Rottingdean Disposal Site
Case summary
The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) received a marine licence application (MLA/2026/00065) in January 2026 for a 1-year marine licence to dispose of dredge material from Brighton Marina at the Rottingdean disposal site (WI020).
This is an interim measure to allow Premier Marinas (Brighton) Ltd. as the current site tenant to fulfil their obligation under the Brighton Marina Act 1968 to maintain safe navigation within the marina. Premier Marinas (Brighton) Ltd. were issued a renewed 10-year maintenance dredge licence by the MMO in May 2025: MLA/2024/00394. However, the decision was challenged under the Judicial Review process by a third party, resulting in the decision and licence being quashed in November 2025.
The licence application requested that works be licensed from 01 April 2026 to 31 March 2027. The licence is for the disposal of maintenance dredge arisings from Brighton Marina at the Rottingdean disposal site. Dredging will be conducted by backhoe dredging with split barge taking material to the Rottingdean disposal site, alongside a cutter suction dredger operating within the site and pumping the material through the breakwater via a pipe with a mix of 80% water and 20% sediment. The maximum amount to be dredged per campaign is 46,000 metres cubed (m3) at a dredge depth of 2 m below chart datum (BCD). Up to 63,400 wet tonnes will be deposited over the licence period.
This summary page will be updated regularly, and further information can be found on the public register by searching for the marine licence application reference number stated above.
Consultation
Following internal assessment, the case proceeded to consultation under Marine & Coastal Access Act 2009.
In addition to consulting the public, the MMO consulted the following bodies:
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science
- Local MMO Office (South East Marine Area)
- MMOs Marine Conservation Team
- Natural England
- Environment Agency
- Historic England
- Maritime and Coastguard Agency
- Royal Yachting Association
- Trinity House
- Crown Estate
- Sussex Inshore Fisheries Conservation Authority
- Shoreham Port
- Brighton and Hove City Council
- Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
- Surfers Against Sewage
- Sussex Wildlife Trust
Public Consultation
The applicant was required to post one advert for one week in a local newspaper with a 28-day consultation period, with a template provided by the MMO. They were also required to post a prominent notice near the site of works. The application was advertised in the Brighton Argus on 06 March 2026. A public notice was also placed in three locations at the site. Public consultation was opened on 09 March 2026 and ended on 06 April 2026.