Lamb objects to extraction licence extension for Hanson Aggregates Marine Ltd

5.48.30pm GMT Wed 2nd Mar 2005

Norman Lamb has reacted with concern to the news that John Prescott's office is considering extending Hanson Aggregates Marine Ltd's dredging licence by another 15 years.

Norman Lamb said today, "We are currently discussing the Shoreline Management Plan (Kelling to Lowestoft), drawn up by the Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), which leaves a lot of this coast unprotected."

"Residents feel that the shoreline is now under further threat from another arm of the government, with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) considering a 15-year extension to Hanson's dredging licence," Mr Lamb commented.

Hanson has already moved millions of tonnes from the East Coast Fields over the past 15 years. Local Norfolk residents fear that more dredging will simply speed up coastal erosions.

Mr Lamb will write to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister to register his official objection to the extension of Hanson's extraction licence.

He said, "I believe there is a strong case for a much tougher environmental impact assessment being carried out before further dredging is permitted."