Dear Sir, THE government has just published a White Paper which heralds its much-awaited Marine Bill.

Amongst other measures, the Bill will propose a marine licensing system for our coastal waters that will have many features in common with the planning system that regulates land-based development.

The new regime will be regulated by an equally new government agency, to be known as the Marine Management Organisation.

We need to ask whether we are striking the right balance between the environment and an essential element of our national infrastructure.

In fairness, it must be recognised that many of the environmental safeguards are already in place.

The Habitats Regulations control port and marina development that may affect the integrity of an environmentally sensitive site such as a Special Protection Area or a Special Area of Conservation.

These regulations will remain unchanged under the new legislation, although the consents procedure will be administered by the Marine Management Organisation instead of the Department for Transport.

More importantly, the background of policy against which projects will be assessed will change significantly, as the legislation introduces a plan-led approach in deciding future proposals.

The Marine Management Organisation will be responsible for preparing Marine Plans for the coastal waters of England and Wales.

These plans will contain both general and location-specific polices that will govern future development proposals in those areas.

In areas of greater activity, such as ports, the plans will be considerably more detailed.

As such, they will be similar to the planning policies adopted by local authorities that govern development on dry land.

They will also be as influential in determining whether a project receives approval.

Unlike planning policies, however, Marine Plans are expected to remain in existence for 20-25 years, although they are likely to be reviewed every six years.

So what strategy should be adopted by the marine industries?

I believe that the right approach is summarised in the word "engagement".

Andrew Hignett
Partner, Head of the Planning and Environmental Team
Lester Aldridge
Alleyn House
Carlton Crescent
Southampton
SO15 2EU