Several key projects have received approval, including the relocation of an offshore mussel farm in Babbacombe Bay, Devon, to deeper waters. Offshore Shellfish Ltd. will install 140 screw anchors to support 68 mussel-growing longlines, aiming to boost sustainable aquaculture, strengthen mussel production, and safeguard local jobs. The project underwent environmental assessment to protect habitats in Lyme Bay and Torbay.
In Porthleven Harbour, a temporary pedestrian footbridge was fast-tracked for approval just days before the town’s food festival. The scaffold bridge, approved on 28 April 2025, ensures safe crowd management for large numbers of visitors. The application was submitted on 27 March 2025, with construction scheduled for 30 April.
Plans to rebuild and improve the Sandbanks ferry terminal in Poole have also been approved. The National Trust will replace the ageing jetty with a new pier and upgraded infrastructure, including new vessel berths and a vehicle ramp. This major upgrade project, set to run from May 2025 to October 2029, became urgent after severe storm damage. The site's environmental sensitivity required a detailed habitat assessment, with Natural England supporting the approach.
Annual maintenance dredging at Burnham Marina has been granted a marine licence to ensure safe access for vessels. The project involves removing up to 17,500 cubic metres of sediment each year from the marina basin, with material dispersed into the River Crouch. Dredging will take place between December and May.
A pioneering project to restore native oyster populations in Tyne and Wear has been approved. Led by the Zoological Society of London in partnership with Groundwork Northeast & Cumbria, the Wild Oysters Project will create an artificial reef. This initiative aims to improve marine biodiversity and water quality, potentially supporting local fisheries.
