Pearman Watlington's plan to remove Waterman's Rock in Hamilton Harbour has been denied by the Development Applications Board.

Director of Planning Rudolph Hollis said dredging would cause environmental damage to the area, specifically damaging or destroying nearby seagrass.

"Pearman Watlington wants to remove Waterman's Rock to make it easier for boaters to access the marina," Mr. Hollis said.

But PW's president Will Cox said an appeal has been filed and the company went through all the correct channels to make sure removing Waterman's Rock would not cause damage to the surrounding environment.

"The rock is dead - it isn't a reef that we would be destroying," he said.

Waterman's Rock needed to be removed in order for boats to safely refuel on the leeward side of the marina and to make the area easier to navigate, he said.

"We're very concerned about the environment but we're also concerned about the human factor. Clearing the rock would mean boats would be able to refuel safely and navigate the area," Mr. Cox said.