The report of the Assistant Director for Community Services examined both the present and future management options for the Beach at Hoylake. The management of the beach was a complex, sensitive and important issue, and the report was intended to provide an interim solution, for high level consideration and not to provide a full environmental and scientific appraisal of all options.

Resolved – That,

(1)  the contents of the report and the accompanying Natural England report, be noted;

(2)  the pausing of vegetative beach management works, including the spraying of herbicide and mechanical raking on Hoylake Beach whilst full independent environmental and scientific studies and stakeholder engagement by a suitably qualified provider are undertaken, be agreed. This will determine the long-term strategy for the management of Hoylake Beach and will include local communities and the Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI);

(3)  ongoing engagement and dialogue with local stakeholders and other statutory bodies including Natural England, the Environment Agency and the Marine Management Organisation in relation to the provision of overall beach management and the identification and agreement of (if appropriate, in accordance with the findings of any ecological survey, and consented by Natural England) a designated “amenity beach” area, be approved;

(4)  the continuation of the removal of windblown sand from against the sea wall as and when it accumulates, be approved. This does not constitute vegetation maintenance.

As listed in the report.