Author: haylingwest2

West Beach

West Beach Car Park has a long and complex history, first opened in the 1950s to provide parking for visitors to the popular beach. Over the years, the car park has been expanded (at one time approx. 700 spaces) and improved to accommodate the increasing number of visitors to the island. West Beach timeline interesting history: https://coastalpartners.org.uk/project/brief-overview-of-west-beach/

In November 2022, a major storm caused significant damage to the sea defences at West Beach. The storm also washed away a large section of the car park. Havant Borough Council (HBC), the local authority responsible for the car park, made the decision to close the car park for safety reasons.

Tourists have always been welcome on Hayling and HBC recognises their significant contribution to the local economy, not only has this suffered through the loss of the car park, in addition HBC has had a major loss of revenue.  

West Beach does not attract government funding (Environment Agency) for improved sea defences as it does not protect housing and people. However, the council has been working on a solution for the car park. This has been made more difficult by a number of factors that had to be considered, including the environmental impact of any new development, the needs of local residents and businesses, and the cost of any new development.

On August 1, 2023, after a final go-ahead from Natural England the West Beach Car Park on Hayling Island was partially reopened to the public.  Located behind a height restriction barrier accommodating up to 47 vehicles. This additional parking was seasonal basis (May to September) to ease some of the parking pressures on the island, particularly during the summer months.

This area of Hayling Island beach is designated as Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and HBC negotiated long and hard with Natural England to allow us to use this piece of land for car parking for 47 vehicles. The land could not be prepared as is the case with other designated car parks it had to remain natural except for some demarcation posts.

Following heavy rainfall and or storms when the ground became waterlogged, the car park had to be closed periodically to stop cars getting stuck. You will remember that August was particularly wet.

As winter approaches there has already been some stormy wet weather. If there is similar weather as has been experienced in the last few years with increased storms, it is highly likely that this car park will cease to exist for next season.

The situation is really frustrating to all parties, local residents, tourists, Hayling Councillors and HBC but due to the constraints placed on the council by Natural England and the decision made by HBC to allow West Beach to evolve naturally following the removal of failing sea defences, there is nothing else that can be done at this time.

HBC together with Coastal Partners must use their resources to protect property and business in the more heavily populated area of Eaststoke and South Hayling.  The 38km of Hayling Island coastline is constantly evolving and as such is under constant review by coastal engineers. The Hayling Island Coastal Strategy can be viewed on HBC website it is an extremely interesting and easy-to-follow document if you have some spare time. It certainly gives perspective to the challenges that Hayling faces in terms of rising sea levels and climate change. (Links below)

West Beach Maintenance — Coastal Partners   west-beach-update-march-2021.pdf (coastalpartners.org.uk)

https://coastalpartners.org.uk/project/history-of-west-beach-faqs/

As you may know ward councillors are informed of planning applications in their ward; we receive information of both planning applications and appeals.

We thought it would be helpful to explore the world of planning applications from the highs and lows of decision making to the concerns of residents! 🎢🏘️

When discussing planning applications with residents, councilors must adhere to specific rules and guidelines to ensure transparency, fairness, and ethical behavior. These rules help maintain the integrity of the decision-making process and prevent potential conflicts of interest. Sometimes councillors have a dual role as both Councilor and a member of the Planning Committee, there is a clear obligation to keep an open mind.

Addressing residents’ planning concerns while avoiding bias is crucial for maintaining trust, transparency, and fairness in the decision-making process. There are strategies that help us when meeting with residents’ without becoming biased:

There are a range of rules and regulations that govern the processing and decision-making of planning applications. Our most recent training session in Havant was last month. For Councillors keeping up to date with planning training is essential as well as being familiar with local planning policy and the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF): https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-planning-policy-framework–2

It is essential to acknowledge that the intricacies of planning applications do not always match resident’s requirements. The process involves multiple factors, legal frameworks, and practical constraints. Understanding that outcomes may not always match local preferences is essential in building a constructive dialogue.

To sum up, the planning process plays an indispensable role in shaping the future of our community. It is a delicate balance between accommodating a sense of belonging, growth and preserving Hayling Island’s unique character. Our role is to help towards a fair and informed decision-making process. By being objective, active listening, helps us to engage with residents who have concerns regarding planning applications.

Below is a quick link that will enable residents to follow the process of a particular application.

https://planningpublicaccess.havant.gov.uk/online-applications/

Havant Council has the ‘human touch’

On 27^th July Havant Borough Council agreed to develop an annual award scheme recognising the very best achievements of residents within the borough.

Councillor Leah Turner proposed an annual Honourable Havant Citizen award to recognise the dedication of individuals and community organisations in making the borough a better place.

A cross-party Civic Board will be established – not only to develop the award and its related processes, but also assess future Freedom of the borough nominations.

Councillor Alex Rennie – Leader of the Council – said:

Councillor Alex Rennie – Leader of the Council – said:“There are so many outstanding residents in the Borough that go above and beyond in making our area a better place to live work and visit. I’m therefore delighted to see that residents and community organisations will be recognised for their contributions to making the borough a better place and I welcome this fantastic initiative proposed by Councillor Turner, with cross party support. The wide range of ways in which people help others will be celebrated, highlighting their kindness and dedication to the borough”.