Substantial deposits of sand and gravel exist on the seabed of the eastern English Channel. Prospecting surveys by several marine aggregate operators in recent years have shown that some of these deposits represent a viable aggregate resource.

As a result, six companies have submitted a total of eight applications for dredging permissions to what is now known as the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG). Only if they receive favourable Government Views, can they go on to receive extraction licences from the Crown Estate. For the latest on the various applications, go to update.

The eight licence applications currently cover a total of approximately 150 square kilometres (58 square miles), which would be the maximum total dredging area over 15 years. This represents approximately 0.5 per cent of the total area of seabed in the region. You can view maps of the proposed licence areas.

The whole of the area would not, however, be dredged at once. The industry would manage the resource in consultation with fishermen and other stakeholders and would divide each licence area into working zones, so greatly reducing the impact at any time. Three months' notice would be given to fishermen of any changes to these zones.