The petition of residents of Brixham in the constituency of Totnes,
Declares that residents are concerned about the proposed development at Breakwater Beach in Brixham; notes that while no formal plans have been submitted to Torbay Council, the drawings that were recently unveiled have not been welcomed by residents due to the adverse impact the development would have locally; further declares that Breakwater Beach should be protected due to the beauty and nature of the surrounding coastal area.
The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the Government to work with Torbay Council to ensure that Breakwater Beach Brixham be declared a Town and Village Green.
And the petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Anthony Mangnall, Official Report, 6 February 2024; Vol. 745, c. 220.]
[P002910]
Observations from the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Steve Barclay):
The Government appreciate the concerns raised by the petitioners regarding the protection of Breakwater Beach in Brixham.
The designation of town and village greens falls outside the purview of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs as it is a devolved issue, and responsibility for this process lies with the relevant local registration authority (usually the county council). Provided the right to apply has not been excluded, anyone can apply under section 15(1) of the Commons Act 2006 to register land as a green if it has been used by local people for lawful sports and pastimes “as of right” for at least 20 years. Further guidance and information can be found at the link below and/or via your local registration authority.
Town and village greens: how to register (www.gov.uk)
Petitioners may wish to consider applying for Breakwater Beach’s designation as a town or village green under the Commons Act 2006. If successful, this process would ensure legal protection, preserving the beach for community use and preventing any development that would conflict with such use.