Ninety-year-old Cornwall beach campsite to stay open

Tents were erected by fishermen nearly 90 years ago and are a continuing family tradition

A Cornwall beach campsite which is nearly 90 years old is to operate for "at least" another five years.

The private campsite on Sandway Beach was deemed a risk to life by the Environment Agency due to flooding concerns.

Tents were erected by fishermen from 1936 and camping was a continuing family tradition, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

A councillor said the community was "in broad support" of the tents.

Caution 'over-abundance'

The campsite in Kingsand consists of 20 tents which resemble beach huts.

Their use started when fishermen from Plymouth set them up while they were working at sea. Their descendants still use such tents each summer.

Users of site applied to Cornwall Council last year for permission to continue the practice for five more years but the Environment Agency recommended refusal.

However, an application for tents between 1 April and 30 September has been approved, with eight councillors voting for and two against.

Councillor Dawn Williams, of Maker with Rame Parish Council, said: "While we appreciate the concerns and good work of the Environment Agency, disallowing the tents at this stage would be an act of an over-abundance of caution.

"The tents are part of our community and our local culture and heritage ... they remain the very best low impact eco-tourism."

Ms Williams added there was "no risk to life - there's never been a risk to life in that area".

Deputy chairman of the planning committee John Tivnan said there seemed to be an "over-cautious approach" by the Environment Agency, and applicant Tim Fishleigh, speaking on behalf of the Sandways campsite committee, said there had been no reports of flooding in the area to date.