The report of the Director of Neighbourhood Services provided an update on the recommendations from the meeting of the Environment, Climate Emergency and Transport Committee of 3rd December 2020 to:

·  Procure an independent study as a scientific evidence base upon which to develop future management options for Hoylake beach.

·  Produce a Communications Strategy for the development of the beach management plan for Hoylake in consultation with a politically proportionate Working Group.

·  Produce a specification for a request for assent of non-vegetation management activities. The future management of Hoylake beach strategically aligns with both the Sustainable Environment and Safe and Pleasant Communities themes of the Wirral Plan 2025.

Colin Clayton, the Assistant Director for Parks and Environment, presented the report with Neil Thomas, the Senior Manager for Flood and Coastal Risk Management. He noted that the budget was from the Climate Emergency Fund, that the report reflected the outlook from working group, and that consultation would only take place once the scientific study was completed and the knowledge base established.

Members questioned aspects of the issue which drew out additional information including:

·  That the drain outlets were cleared by the highways team following the noting of an issue in regular inspections.

·  Much data was available on beach, sediment and aerial photography, but the ecological data was required before decisions could be made.

The Chair, Councillor Liz Grey, proposed an amendment to accept recommendations 1 and 2 and slightly amend 3 to include

‘To approve the submission to Natural England of a plan to manage wind blown sand at Hoylake beach and associated highway network and a corresponding Habitats Regulations Assessment, in consultation with the Coastal Advisory Group of regional beach management and ecology. This Group of experts has already been established and officers have met with them previously. They are prepared to give Wirral Council expert advice, free of charge and could save Council taxpayers' money, possibly reducing the need for expensive consultants in future.’

This was seconded by Councillor Chris Cooke.

Resolved (6:4) - That

(1)   the procurement brief and specification for an ecological and geomorphological study, as set out in Appendix A to this report, be approved and to agree to the procurement of a study as a scientific evidence base upon which to develop future management options for Hoylake beach.

(2)   the draft Communications and Engagement Strategy for the development of the Hoylake Beach Management Plan as set out in Appendix B to this report be agreed.

(3)   the specification for the continuation of non-vegetation management activities at Hoylake beach, as set out in Appendix C to this report be approved, and the submission to Natural England of a plan to manage wind blown sand at Hoylake beach and associated highway network and a corresponding Habitats Regulations Assessment, in consultation with the Coastal Advisory Group of regional beach management and ecology be approved. This Group of experts has already been established and officers have met with them previously. They are prepared to give Wirral Council expert advice, free of charge and could save Council taxpayers' money, possibly reducing the need for expensive consultants in future.