Sheryll Murray, MP had a telephone conversation with John Tuckett, CEO of the Marine Management Organisation on 22 December 2015 to discuss the licence applications for the dredging to take place at Devonport Dockyard and the Cattewater Harbour, Plymouth with disposal of spoil at the Rame Head site.
Sheryll raised concerns of her constituents about the potential damage to the marine environment and is pleased that the Marine Management Organisation have listened to local concerns and are working hard to classify a new disposal site. This work will continue throughout 2016.
John Tuckett has confirmed to Sheryll that the MMO recognises the need to de-conflict the existing Rame Head Site and the Marine Protected Area within Whitsand Bay. However, in the interim period, we have to accept the Dockyard and Cattewater are of vital importance to the economy of Plymouth, South East Cornwall and the wider South West. Ongoing disposal is necessary until an alternative site is found. Therefore the Rame Head site will be used in a limited way with disposal restricted to areas furthest away from the Marine Protected Area (MPA).
Sheyll said, “I am grateful to local Constituents for keeping this issue high on the agenda. Everyone knows that my family and I have used Whitsand Bay since childhood and have campaigned to have the site moved since a Cornwall County Councillor, over a decade ago."