Plans linked to the redevelopment of a historic clifftop holiday camp on the Isle of Wight have drawn environmental concerns from local parish councils over the potential use of herbicides at the site.
Brighstone Parish Council has expressed unease about the possible use of ‘harmful chemicals’ as part of the management of land at Atherfield Bay Holiday Camp.
Concerns were raised in response to a condition compliance application submitted by Encore Leisure Propco, which is seeking to discharge two requirements attached to a 2022 planning consent.
As previously reported by Island Echo, the application forms part of ongoing efforts to reopen the site off Military Road as Atherfield Bay Holiday Resort.
The company previously stated that construction work is being carried out so the site can once again operate as a tourist destination.
According to the landscape management plan the aim of the habitat management strategy is to maintain coastal cliff top grassland that forms part of the Compton Chine to Steephill Cove Site of Special Scientific Interest.
The document states that management will aim to sustain fine textured grassland along the cliff and chine edges, while the remaining grassland would be placed into a formal cutting regime designed to provide structural diversity for reptiles and small mammals, including prey species for barn owls and kestrels, while limiting scrub encroachment.
Joy Walker, clerk of Brighstone Parish Council said:
“We are pleased to see the applicant has structured their cutting schedule for management of the Western ‘Bee Field’ to allow the best chance of invertebrates’ survival in this area.
“However, we are disappointed to read that herbicide still forms a potentially significant part of the management of the holiday park site. Given the significance of this area, the site’s proximity to the sensitive marine and chine environments, and its Site of Special Scientific Interest status, we would prefer to see manual management only rather than the use of any harmful chemicals.”
The council said that due to its concerns about herbicide use, it has adopted a neutral position on the condition discharge application.
Shorwell Parish Council has also submitted comments to Isle of Wight Council planners supporting the concerns raised by its neighbouring authority.
Mike Davies, clerk of Shorwell Parish Council said:
“Shorwell Parish Council agree with the comments made by our colleagues at Brighstone Parish Council.
“We agree with the positive comments in relation to changes to proposed management of the Western ‘Bee Field’.
“We are also in agreement that the use of herbicide to control weeds is not desirable at this sensitive site, particularly when suitable alternative methods exist, and would prefer to see the plan amended to reflect this.”
A decision on the proposal is currently scheduled to be made by 5th May.
Herbicides one of natures greatest enemies
To allow herbicides to be used at, or anywhere near an SSSI would be outrageous.