Hinson Island residents have launched an appeal after proposals to build a new marina on the island were refused planning permission.

The plan, submitted by Alan Paris on behalf of a group of residents, proposed the creation of a two-armed floating dock on the southeastern side of the island.

While the planning application said project was of real importance to residents of the island given the reduced ferry service to and from Hinson Island, the proposal was refused over concerns about the potential impact on the marine environment.

A marine ecology report found that there was a “fairly substantial” seagrass bed in the area which would be impacted by shading and the movement of boats in shallow water.

A report by technical officers noted that the Marine Conservation Section of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources found that the project would adversely affect protected seagrass and manatee grass in the area even with proposed mitigation measures taken into account.

The report said: “While the proposal would improve marine access for Hinson Island residents and provide a well-designed shared docking facility, these benefits are outweighed by the unacceptable impacts on protected seagrass and the wider marine environment.

“Accordingly, it is recommended that the board refuse the application.”

The Development Applications Board formally rejected the plans on July 29, citing the impact on turtle grass.

However, an appeal against the decision was launched last month with the developers arguing that the project was one of necessity, not convenience.

In a letter laying out their case, an agent for the appellant wrote: “The absence of a safe, weather-protected marina undermines residents’ ability to live productive, connected lives.

“The decline of the public ferry service has transformed what was once a manageable inconvenience into a daily challenge, which brings its own safety risks.

“A purpose-built marina is not a frivolous luxury. With a faltering ferry service it has now become an absolutely essential and critical infrastructure to allow the community to continue to be viable and to function in a healthy manner.”

The documents note that there are five families with children on the island who need flexible and dependable transportation to and from the mainland, while a significant portion of residents are seniors.

The appeal documents added: “There have been several heart attack victims among the ageing population in recent years and all have necessitated a rapid transport of the patient to Darrell‘s Wharf ferry dock to meet an ambulance.

“This has not always been straightforward, quickly finding a suitable boat in a suitable location to make the transit. This marina would serve that function, with easy access and a ramp that could accommodate a stretcher.”