Hayle’s Dredging Controversy: Council Takes a Stand Against Beach Excavation

Sluicing Reinstatement Proposed as Alternative to Dredging

During a well-attended Full Council meeting last night, Hayle Town Council reaffirmed its strong stance against dredging and beach excavation, calling for alternative solutions to maintain the harbour channel. A report summarising the 4th February 2025 meeting—held as a follow-up to discussions initiated in October 2024—was presented, with representatives from the Environment Agency, Natural England, and Perran Moon MP for Camborne, Redruth and Hayle in attendance. The positions of Cornwall Council and other key stakeholders were also outlined.

Read the full details here.

Council Resolutions

After reviewing the report and considering the views of those present, the council passed the following resolutions:

• Reinstating sluicing: The council wants sluicing to return as a method of maintaining the harbour, reducing reliance on dredging.
• Opposition to dredging and sand removal: The council strongly opposes dredging that removes sand from the channel and insists that any dredged material must be used for beach and dune replenishment rather than extraction.
• Opposition to beach excavation: The council firmly objects to digging up the beach, stating that it cannot be justified on safety grounds and should not continue.

Letters to Key Stakeholders

Recognising Hayle’s status as a closed sediment cell, the council has decided to update and seek support from multiple organisations on the issue, including:

• St Ives Town Council
• Gwinear & Gwithian Parish Council
• County Councillors representing St Ives and Gwithian & Gwinear Parish
• Cornwall Council Portfolio Holder for Environment and Climate Change
• The MP for St Ives & Penzance

Calls for Action

The council has requested the Environment Agency to engage with Network Rail, highlighting the threat to the dunes surrounding the St Ives Branch Line. Additionally, the council will write to the Health & Safety Executive regarding concerns that:

• Allegations have surfaced of operations taking place at night.
• Operators have allegedly worked without a banksman.
• A significant power cable was allegedly severed under the sand.

Environmental and Reputational Concerns

The council will also be contacting BCM Global, making them aware of both the environmental damage and the potential local and national reputational risks resulting from ongoing activities in Hayle. It has expressed a willingness to work with them on finding an environmentally friendly solution to keep the channel clear for boat users.

Stricter Oversight on Dredging

Finally, the council has stressed that any future dredging must be pre-approved under a signed-off licence, detailing where sand will be removed from and where it will be deposited. The Environment Agency will be consulted on the appropriate protocols to ensure compliance.

For more details, visit Hayle Town Council’s official website.