CHARLESTON — A developer of luxury apartments and townhomes is seeking a permit to build a private dock into the Ashley River.

City officials and preservation groups were caught off guard by the request, which could impact the city’s billion-dollar sea wall project meant to protect the Charleston peninsula from rising seas and storm surges.

“The City of Charleston has not had any discussions with The Beach Company regarding the proposed private dock, as this is a matter for the S.C. Department of Environmental Services,” city spokeswoman Deja Knight McMillan told the Post and Courier. “While details are limited, we have concerns about the project and remain committed to ensuring public access is maintained along the knee wall and Battery Extension for the entirety of those projects.”

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