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A CAMPAIGN to stop the introduction of larger ferries on the Lymington to Yarmouth crossing has run aground.

New Forest District Council this week rejected Lymington River Association's call for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to be made on the two R-Class ferries expected to begin plying the route later this summer, with a third expected early next year.

The association had delivered a 2,000-signature petition to the council calling for the EIA on the grounds the ships would worsen erosion in the estuary and increase the numbers of cars on New Forest roads.

However, council officers said an EIA was not required by law.

The campaigners said Lymington ferry terminal required a £1 million facelift to enable it to handle the larger vessels.

But Cllr Chris Treleaven, the council's portfolio-holder for planning and transport, said: "The area of the works does not exceed one hectare and the works themselves will not be in the Site of Special Scientific Importance. For these reasons the criteria for an EIA are not fulfilled."

He said the council is carrying out an Appropriate Assessment under the Conservation (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1994.

"This is different legislation which is only concerned with the impact of the development on the integrity of the adjacent European designated sites of nature conservation importance.

"This assessment will be presented to the planning development control committee in due course for their decision on the impact of the development."

Chief planning officer Chris Elliott said the council was looking at the issues raised by the association and was waiting for a report from Natural England.

Council leader Cllr Mel Kendal complained the proposed alterations to the ferry terminal were covered by permitted development rights and did not require planning permission.

He said: "The issue should be decided by this council and it's a matter of deep regret that local democracy won't determine it."

Lymington Town Council was due to discuss the terminal plans last week but also found it could not comment because the plans are permitted development.

1:00pm Thursday 24th July 2008

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