CHIEF EXECUTIVE CALLS FOR HIGHER PROFILE FOR WELSH PORTS

Economic policy in Wales has to give greater recognition to the vital role played by Welsh ports and deal fairly and efficiently with proposals to develop them if the contribution they make to national and local economies is to continue, the chief executive of Wales’ largest port has warned.

Ted Sangster of Milford Haven Port Authority said that all too often, the planning regime gave disproportionate weight to environmental considerations, leading to costly delays and unreasonable rejections of development plans which ports wished to bring forward.

He has called for improved dialogue between ports, politicians and statutory bodies to develop a better understanding of the needs of ports and of the high environmental standards that they work to.

“The UK ports industry is a vital element of the national economy, handling over 97% of the UK’s import and export trade,” he said.

“Ports such as ours have to be able to operate effectively in order to maintain that position. But one of the major issues for our industry at present is the difficulty which can be faced in trying to advance development opportunities – whether it is seeking planning consent or applying for dredging licenses.

“There appears to be almost an automatic presumption against such developments because of the perceived threat to the environment.”

Mr Sangster’s comments come in a letter to Assembly Members, Welsh MPs and statutory organisations in Wales in the light of a national policy review by the British Ports Association, of which Milford Haven Port Authority is a member.

“As the largest port in Wales, we are keen to emphasise the role that our own port plays in the South West Wales economy, whilst of course subscribing to the policies which we helped to redefine within our own trade association,” he said.

“Strong growth in the industry will continue, and new port development will be required to meet capacity and modernisation requirements.

“The planning system must appreciate the need for a more equitable balance between development and the environment and, recognising shipping and ports as the most environmentally benign mode of facilitating trade, deal fairly and efficiently with their requirements.”