Sand Dunes need protection
That’s the message being sent to the people of the Fylde, after one resident took the situation into his own hands.
Fylde Dunes
That’s the message being sent to the people of the Fylde, after one resident took the situation into his own hands and Fylde Borough Council has vowed to prosecute anyone who damages the sand dunes without permission.
Over the last few days Fylde Borough Council has been in talks with the Environment Agency and Lancashire Wildlife Trust to establish what action can be taken to repair a section of the Dunes damaged by the precipitate action of Dr Brian Newman, who lives at 98 North Promenade. Meanwhile, other residents have indicated to local press that they intend to follow his example. However Council officials now say they will take action against anyone who fails to abide by the planning laws.
A small hand full of residents own the sand dunes in front of their homes but substantial alterations are subject to planning permission. It is the feeling of the Council’s planning team that, due to national requirements to protect the dunes and the current development of a sand dune conservation plan, planning permission to remove dunes should NOT be granted.
Fylde Borough Council’s Head of Development Control, Mark Evans, said: “Due to the amount of sand that has been moved, planning permission ought to have been obtained prior to the carrying out of the works to flatten the dune. Whilst the Council cannot predetermine any retrospective planning application that may be submitted in the future, the works are contrary to a number of local and national planning policies that recognise the value of dunes and seek to preserve this important habitat. Although the Council could commence formal enforcement action as a result of the unauthorised works, it will be looking to work with Mr Newman to reinstate the sand dune to its previous form.
“Any other residents in the area who are considering similar works should be aware of the need to obtain planning permission, the importance of preserving this threatened habitat and the implications for the long term future of the dunes.”
Anne Heslop, Lancashire Wildlife Trust’s Fylde Sand Dunes Officer, said: “All partners have been working together to protect and enhance the dunes for the benefit of wildlife and the local community. A Management Action Plan has been created to highlight what steps need to be taken to do this and it is important that we work alongside nature to ensure a healthy environment for the future. We’ve lost over 85% of our sand dunes over the past 100 years and it is important that we preserve what we have left for both its unique wildlife and important sea defence properties. If all residents were to do a similar thing then a large part of our natural dunes would be damaged.”
A letter has now been sent to Dr Newman to advise him of the position. A letter is also on the way to his neighbours, to clarify the situation and stress the importance of consultation between residents and the Council, when dealing with sensitive environmental issues.
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