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Goodwin Sands activists' legal action to protect 'war graves' Goodwin Sands activists' legal action to protect 'war graves'
(about 4 hours later)
Campaigners opposing plans to dredge a sandbank off the Kent coast have begun legal action to protect what they describe as "war graves".Campaigners opposing plans to dredge a sandbank off the Kent coast have begun legal action to protect what they describe as "war graves".
Marinet wants to stop Dover Harbour Board dredging up to four million tonnes of sand from Goodwin Sands for use in construction at the port. Marinet wants to stop Dover Harbour Board (DHB) dredging up to four million tonnes of sand from Goodwin Sands for use in construction at the port.
It says the area is the "final resting place" of aircraft and ships from both world wars and should not be disturbed.It says the area is the "final resting place" of aircraft and ships from both world wars and should not be disturbed.
Dover Harbour Board (DHB) has not yet commented on the legal action. The Port of Dover said the dredge was vital for the town's regeneration.
Marinet - a national marine conservation organisation - wants the whole of the sands to be designated a "controlled area" so all ships and aircraft can be protected without the need to pinpoint their location.Marinet - a national marine conservation organisation - wants the whole of the sands to be designated a "controlled area" so all ships and aircraft can be protected without the need to pinpoint their location.
Its lawyers have made a direct appeal to Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon to intervene in the case.Its lawyers have made a direct appeal to Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon to intervene in the case.
DHB has applied to the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) for a licence to dredge the site. The board has applied to the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) for a licence to dredge the site.
It claims more than 99% of the sands would be left untouched and that all known military sites have been identified and avoided. A Port of Dover spokesman said: "Protesters need to be clear that 99.7% of the Goodwin Sands will be untouched."
'Act decisively' It said the sands had been dredged on numerous occasions since the Second World War and the dredge was "vital to deliver the sympathetic regeneration of Dover, awaited for over 70 years".
But lawyers Bindmans LLP said it had made a 16 page submission to Sir Michael urging him to use his powers to protect the site under the 1986 Protection of Military Remains Act. But lawyers Bindmans LLP said it had made a 16-page submission to Sir Michael urging him to use his powers to protect the site under the 1986 Protection of Military Remains Act.
Solicitor John Halford said: "If the remains of dozens of British soldiers were known to be buried throughout a forest, no-one would contemplate granting a licence to locate a quarry there. Solicitor John Halford said: "If the remains of dozens of British soldiers were known to be buried throughout a forest, no-one would contemplate granting a licence to locate a quarry there."
"It is quite remarkable that this matter needs to be raised with the secretary of state. Notwithstanding that, we are hopeful he will now act decisively."
The Ministry of Defence has been contacted for a response.The Ministry of Defence has been contacted for a response.
Marinet director David Levy, said he hoped lawyers would get the government "properly engaged" after it failed to respond to his requests. Marinet director David Levy, said: "We want the dredging application declined and the area properly protected."
"We want a proper evaluation of the area done by the Ministry of Defence, we want the dredging application declined and the area properly protected," he said.