A bitter conflict has erupted on Britain's most expensive coastal strip after wealthy homeowners on the Sandbanks peninsula began fencing off access to beachfront areas, blocking routes traditionally used by dog walkers, swimmers and local families.
The Great Sandbanks Divide
Residents of the exclusive millionaire's enclave in Poole, Dorset - often dubbed Britain's answer to Palm Beach - have installed wooden fences and metal gates that prevent public access to stretches of shoreline between beach huts and the water's edge. The move has sparked fury among locals who have used these routes for generations.
'It's Like They're Stealing Our Coastline'
Local dog walker Sarah Jenkins, 54, expressed the community's frustration: "I've been walking my dogs along these paths for twenty years. Suddenly, gates appear and 'private property' signs go up. It feels like they're slowly stealing our coastline piece by piece."
The contested area lies between multimillion-pound properties and the shoreline, with homeowners arguing they're protecting their privacy and preventing anti-social behaviour. However, critics counter that these actions represent an alarming trend of wealthy individuals appropriating public spaces.
Legal Battle Looms Over Coastal Rights
Coastal access campaigners have pointed to the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009, which guarantees public access around England's entire coastline. The legislation specifically aims to prevent exactly this type of exclusionary practice.
Local councillor Mark Howell confirmed that the council is investigating the matter, stating: "While we respect private property rights, we must also protect established public access. We're examining historical usage patterns and legal precedents to determine the appropriate course of action."
A Peninsula of Contrasts
Sandbanks presents a stark study in coastal inequality. While property prices regularly exceed £5 million, with recent sales breaking £15 million records, the surrounding community includes areas of significant deprivation. The fencing controversy has highlighted these economic divides.
The situation raises fundamental questions about who truly owns Britain's coastline and whether wealth can buy exclusive access to natural resources that should belong to everyone.
As the standoff continues, both sides are digging in their heels, with homeowners citing security concerns and locals vowing to fight for what they see as their birthright to enjoy Dorset's famous golden sands.
