Harwich port habitat plans 'threaten' seals, diver claims

Seals could be in danger after plans to mitigate the environmental impact of a container port terminal were approved, a marine diver has warned.

Hutchison Ports - which runs Harwich International Port in Essex - has to create a new habitat to compensate for losses as a result of its development.

It said plans to build 100 hectares of new estuarine and coastal habitat at Little Oakley would alleviate concerns.

But diver Neil Marples said seal pups could be abandoned amid disturbances.

Hutchison Ports has been attempting to build a new container port terminal at Bathside Bay, Parkeston, since plans were first unveiled in 2003.

The site is designated as an area of international importance for wildlife and the firm was told it must create a new habitat to replace what would be lost when the development proceeded.

Its plans to create a new mudflat and saltmarsh habitat between Hamford Water and Irlam's Beach were approved by Tendring District Council on Monday.

The proposal included breaching the existing sea wall and building a new one, with five viewing platforms and footpaths being installed.

Port officials must now obtain a licence from the government's Marine Management Organisation before works can start, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Planning approval came despite warnings from ecologists that the proposal threatened hundreds of seals who lived in the area for nine months a year to raise pups.

Mr Marples, of British Divers Marine Life Rescue, said pups were readily abandoned if there was a disturbance in their habitat.

"Hamford Waters is a special place. It is a safe haven for our seals and please, this realignment can go anywhere in the country," he told the planning committee meeting.

He said between 300 and 600 grey and common seals lived in the waters.

However, Labour councillor Ivan Henderson said the plans helped ensure the Bathside Bay development was "sustainable".

He added: "This planning permission is an important step on the path to realising the potential of Freeport East."

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