PLANS for a gravel processing plant on Newhaven Port have caused uproar among residents.

Campaign group Community Action Newhaven (Can) is planning a “clean and green, family friendly” protest on March 3 at Tide Mills beach to oppose the development, near the Ouse Estuary Nature Reserve.

Construction firm Brett has already been pressured into dropping plans for a concrete block-making facility and campaigners hope to derail the rest of the project, which aims to dredge sand from the seabed for processing.

Emily O’Brien, 49, a spokeswoman for Can said: “People feel that decision making has been taken out of their hands.

“This protest is to allow local people to tell East Sussex County Council they do not want this here.”

Can argues the development will have environmental and aesthetic impacts.

Ms O’Brien added: “One of the main concerns is around air quality.

“Newhaven already breaches legal limits for air pollution and has a large amount of traffic.

“The number of HGVs will add to the pollution and Newhaven is expected to take over 1,000 new homes, which is a lot for a town that already feels like it’s grinding to a standstill.

“We also believe there will be issues around dust and changes to tides will affect wildlife, including small fish and migrating birds.”

The facility is also expected to affect the view of the skyline along the seafront.

In 2015 the planning committee approved the Newhaven Port Development, a scheme designed to improve infrastructure around the port.

Paul Boswell, deputy town mayor for Newhaven, said: “The vision people have of Newhaven – clean, green and marine – I don’t think this fits into those categories and I don’t think it fits in with the direction that Newhaven should be taking.”

A petition opposing the proposal has 3,381 signatures.

The application is to be considered by the planning committee within the next month.

A spokesman from Brett said after consulting with stakeholders the company was committed to moving forward with the proposal.

He said: “Any activity Brett proposes would work with the community, and that includes the environment, to find a balanced approach to minimise impact.

“These facilities are required to help meet the construction needs for East Sussex, whether that’s new housing, construction of roads or infrastructure.

“The facility would bring new life into the port, boost employment and support East Sussex County Council’s local economic vision.”