Kingsand beach campsite under threat amid flooding concerns

The tradition started in 1936 when fishermen from Plymouth set up tents

A beach campsite which has been used by locals for almost a century is facing closure due to flood risk concerns.

The campsite at Sandway Beach in Kingsand, Cornwall, consists of 20 tents which resemble beach huts.

The association of users of the private campsite has applied to Cornwall Council for permission to continue the practice for five more years.

However, a planning officer has recommended refusal, citing flooding concerns.

The tradition started in 1936 when fishermen from Plymouth set up tents to stay in while they were working at sea. Their descendants still use the tents each summer.

The Environment Agency submitted a strong objection on flood risk grounds and the Coast Authority also objected on the basis of "coastal vulnerability", said the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).

Planning officer George Shirley, who recommended refusal at a meeting of the council's east sub-area planning committee, said it was "likely that the scheme would result in a degree of environmental harm due to the potential flood risk to users".

"In the last couple of decades flood risk has become an increasingly important issue, with the impacts of climate change and sea level rise beginning to take effect," he added.

'An escape'

Users of the campsite told the committee the flood risks were negligible and they were doing everything they could to mitigate any safety issues.

Councillor Dawn Williams, of Maker with Rame Parish Council, said the tents had "continued for the last 80 years and are a really lovely part of our culture and history".

"When the tents go up, summer has arrived and it's a really lovely thing.

"This is very much a benefit for local people and people from Plymouth. This is not an Airbnb activity. They are an escape for local people," she added.

The committee said it wanted more information from the Environment Agency before it made a decision at a future meeting.