Beach access under scrutiny

Government is turning its attention to access to beaches across Barbados as it moves to strengthen protections for public entry points and explore the creation of new ones where needed.

Minister of Economic Affairs and Planning Marsha Caddle outlined the approach during a site visit to Paynes Bay, St James, where officials from the Planning and Development Department and the Coastal Zone Management Unit were assessing a planning application for coastal protection works.

The minister said the visit drew attention to broader concerns about reaching and using beaches, particularly in areas affected by coastal erosion.

While noting that the Paynes Bay location remains an official entry point, Caddle said erosion, especially following Hurricane Beryl, had significantly reduced the amount of usable shoreline.

“One of the things that we saw, and that you may have seen, is that while this is the official public access and it is important to note that there is an official public access here for this beach because of some of the coastal erosion that has taken place … there is really not much beach left.”

The visit also allowed officials to assess the potential impact of proposed coastal protection works, including the installation of seven groins.

Caddle said the application remains under review, but maintaining public use of the area during construction would likely be a key consideration.

“What we are seeing might be needed is that some part of the access would need to be maintained. We’re talking here about temporary work so we’re not talking about permanent removal of the access at all.”

She revealed that a recent audit by the National Conservation Commission provided the government with a clearer picture of public and historical routes to beaches across the island.

The review examined official entry points, historical routes and areas on private property where members of the public have traditionally been allowed passage to the coast.

Caddle explained that existing planning policies already require developers seeking to amalgamate coastal properties to provide public access as a condition of approval.

“You wouldn’t be able to take up a large tract of land or have a large footprint amalgamating two properties or more without maintaining a beach access there.”

She said government intends to enforce those requirements and use existing planning tools to preserve public entry when coastal works are undertaken.

As such, where construction temporarily affects an existing route, developers may be required to keep one open or provide a suitable alternative.

Caddle said government wanted to establish a clearer policy framework so Barbadians could have greater certainty about where they can reach the coast.

“It is clear to me, and I think it is clear to government, that we really have to take a positive posture on this question.”

She indicated that any future policy initiative would likely involve public consultation to determine which locations are most important to communities while balancing the interests of nearby residents and property owners.

The minister also signalled increased monitoring and enforcement, saying the NCC, the Planning and Development Department and the Coastal Zone Management Unit would work together to ensure existing policies are upheld.

(CW)