As a council, we are deeply committed to preserving the environmental integrity and natural beauty of Hayle Beach. We acknowledge the necessity of maintaining a safe and navigable harbour channel for our fishing and sailing communities. However, we have significant concerns regarding the current sand removal practices and their potential long-term impacts on our local environment and ecology.
On 21 October 2024, Hayle Town Council convened and hosted a meeting with representatives of key stakeholders to discuss the concerns of the community regarding the removal of sand. This included representatives from the Environment Agency, Natural England, Cornwall Council, Hayle Harbour Authority Operations Limited and the North Quay Developers. Whilst Hayle Town Council has no direct powers or responsibilities in the matter, it was agreed that it was our role to bring all these parties to recognise and address the issues. The aim of this first meeting was to air and share concerns, to establish facts and the legal position and, in the longer term, determine the most appropriate way to maintain a safe, navigable access to the harbour whilst minimising the impact on the local environment.
The representatives went away to explore the legality, options and what the respective bodies could do and it was agreed that a follow up meeting should be held early in 2025. During that time legal advice was sought and lots of work was undertaken by all parties.
The follow up meeting was held on the morning of 4 February 2025. It was attended by Town Councillors and Officers, Justin Ridgewell from the Environment Agency, Mark Beard from Natural England, Perran Moon MP and his local office manager, Matthew Brown.
Our goal is to work collaboratively to find a solution that benefits all stakeholders and preserves the ecological health of St Ives Bay.
Agreed Resolution from the Full Council Meeting on 6th February 2025
During the meeting of its Full Council last night, Hayle Town Council received a report containing a summary of the 4 February 2025 meeting with representatives of the EA, NE, Perran Moon MP for Camborne, Redruth and Hayle and details of theirs and Cornwall Council’s current positions.
After this, and in addition listening to the views of those present, the following resolutions were made:
Hayle Town Council wants the reinstatement of sluicing to reduce the burden of dredging.
This council is strongly opposed to dredging and removal of sand from the channel, this must be replaced by dredging and beach/dune replenishment.
This council is strongly opposed to digging up the beach. This cannot be justified on the grounds of safety and must not continue.
As we recognize that this is a closed sediment cell and in the interests of transparency, we write to the following updating them on the issues we have faced and the actions we and others have taken so far, and the serious potential problem areas identified to us. That we seek their support in continuing to press for a sustainable, environmentally friendly solution to keeping the channel clear for boat users.
St Ives Town Council
Gwinear & Gwithian Parish Council
Those County Councillors representing St Ives and Gwinear & Gwithian Parish
The Cornwall Council Portfolio Holder for Environment and Climate Change
The MP for St Ives & Penzance
Hayle Town Council asks that the Environment Agency leverage their contacts to discuss the situation with Network Rail, advising on the threat to the dunes around the St Ives Branch line.
Hayle Town Council writes to the Health & Safety Executive, advising that while operations have currently ceased, We feel obliged to make them aware that; we have heard allegations that operators have been working often at night, allegations that they have operated without a banksman and allegations that they have severed a significant power cable under the sand.
Hayle Town Council writes to BCM Global wishing to make them aware of both the environmental damage and then the potential local and national reputational damage occurring because of actions being undertaken in Hayle. Including that this council and others, and others, would like to work with them for a sustainable, environmentally friendly way to keep the channel clear for boats.
And lastly, that any dredging that does happen, must be part of a signed off licence, agreed in advance and adhered to. For example, citing where sand is removed from and where it will be deposited. Guidance from the Environment Agency on how this should work should be sought in advance.
Access to Meeting Report
For those interested in a more in-depth understanding, the report prepared for the meeting by the Town Clerk, which includes statements from Cornwall Council and the Environment Agency, is available here: Agenda Item 8a – Summary Report of the 4 Feb meeting re Sand
Full minutes from the meeting will be available on our website from Friday 14th February. These minutes will be a DRAFT version as they will need to be agreed by full council at a subsequent meeting but we appreciate that our community are keen to know what was discussed at the meeting on 6th February.
We remain dedicated to ensuring that any actions taken are in the best interest of both our community and the environment. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available and as we progress in our efforts to address this critical issue.
Parliamentary Inquiry by MP Perran Moon
We are pleased to inform the community that Perran Moon MP has raised this issue in Parliament, seeking clarity and action regarding the sand removal practices at Hayle Harbour: https://fb.watch/xBLmfg66Kb/