Hoylake beach on the Wirral has been granted town or village green (TVG) status, protecting the land from future development. The decision follows a long campaign by local residents and politicians.
The new status safeguards the site as land used by the public for sports, recreation, and other pastimes. It was awarded after it was proved the beach has been used by a significant number of local people for at least 20 years, without requiring permission for access.
Approval after independent review
Wirral Council's planning committee approved the application following recommendations from an independent inspector, Annabel Graham Paul, a barrister at Francis Taylor Building. She heard evidence from residents at an event held in Hoylake in August.
At the event, one speaker described the beach as the town's "back garden", noting that many Hoylake homes are terraced houses with little open space.
Councillors welcome the decision
Local councillors Max Booth and Andrew Gardner, both Conservative, were among those campaigning for the status. After the planning committee meeting at Wallasey Town Hall on October 1, they spoke to the ECHO about the outcome.
Cllr Gardner said: "This is great news for Hoylake. The people of Hoylake have worked long and hard for this. It enshrines their right to local sports and pastimes in that area."
Cllr Booth praised the community's effort, saying: "This has been people-powered and people delivered from the start."
