Tents to be removed from camp due to safety risks

Sandways beach on the Rame peninsula often experiences rockfalls and landslides

Tents and temporary huts will be removed from a former camp site in Cornwall due to safety concerns, Cornwall Council has said.

Sandways beach on the Rame peninsula has experienced several landslides and rockfalls in the past few years.

The beach, jointly owned by Plymouth City Council and Cornwall Council, was leased to the Sandways Campsite Association for 15 years, but, due to the safety risks, it was not renewed after it expired in 2024.

Loic Rich, Cornwall Council cabinet member for environment and climate change, said: "Due to the risks posed by both the cliff behind and the encroaching sea, we cannot allow people to stay there. It is simply too dangerous."

The beach is jointly owned by Plymouth City Council and Cornwall Council

Last month, families who used their huts and tents were told by the councils they were trespassing.

Geotechnical experts assessed the cliffs in 2024, and again in June 2025, and found there was serious and ongoing risk to anyone occupying the land, especially overnight when people were sleeping.

In 2025, the Environment Agency said there were flooding and storm risks, which were increased by rising sea levels and the increasing frequency of storms.

In early June 2025, the councils asked members of the Sandways Campsite Association to remove their accommodation from the site.

There have been regular discussions between the councils and the association over the last two months.

The councils said they would remove remaining tents as soon as weather and tidal conditions allowed.

Rich added: "Many people have fond memories of camping at Sandways.

"We understand that it's a really special place for visitors and locals alike, but safety has to be our number one priority."