OBJECTIONS to transporting 150,000 tonnes of sand and gravel in two tonne lorries through the town centre have sunk plans to extend Harleyford Marina.

The Folley brothers who run the estate had hoped to build a lagoon to provide 120 extra berths adjacent to the existing marina after the Environment Agency (EA) speci- fically identified the need for more mooring space along the Thames in Marlow.

But Buckinghamshire County Council Development Control Committee refused planning permission on Tuesday due to transportation concerns.

Despite widespread support for the lagoon, councillors refused the application because of the congestion lorries would cause in the town, particularly at lunch time and school closing time. The trucks would have driven along the A4155 to Little Marlow quarry, and it was expected to take two and a half years to remove all the gravel.

Bob Savidge, an executive member of the Marlow Society, told the planning committee: "The society has no objection to expanding the marina, what members object to is moving the spoil through Marlow.

"The area these lorries go through is a major conservation area with more than 100 listed buildings and Spittal Street is one of the narrowest roads on the A4155 in the area."

Bob Woollard, pictured, county council member for Marlow, said: "I find myself in complete agreement with Mr Savidge.

"We are talking about 150,000 tonnes extraction, this is not peanuts. The roads in Marlow are not suitable and most people would be forgiven for thinking we come from another planet if we allowed this to happen."

He added: "I see all the parish councils have objected - Great Marlow, Little Marlow, Marlow Town Council, Hurley Parish Council and I hear this morning Bisham has sent in its objection too.

"I believe it is not beyond the wit of man to send the spoil by barge either up north or down south."

Douglas Symes, agent for Harleyford Estate, said the spoil could not be sent by barge because of problems unloading close to a public footpath and railway line, which would require an expensive conveyor belt.

Mr Symes said: "We recognise that sand and gravel is a finite resource, it is good quality and it should not be wasted. To ensure that it is properly used it needs processing. It is most unfortunate that the quarry at Little Marlow does not receive riverboard cargo well.

"The conclusion of your officer is that it is not practical or economic to transport the material by barge."

Boat owners have been left frustrated there will be no extra moorings.

Ian Fitzpatrick, 63, of Moat Drive, Prestwood, uses Harleyford Marina to carry out essential engineering work on his 11m Stevens motor cruiser.

The retired IT company director said it was a shame the extension had been turned down as there were always lots of people mooring whenever he had been there.

He added: "It's always very tight getting into your slot there. There is a risk you could run into somebody else and it must put people off mooring in that part of the marina."

He added: "Marlow could do with more moorings. I think the EA tried to get a few more places near the weir a couple of years ago, but they weren't successful."