Designation of eight beaches in Cornwall as bathing waters

Overview

Following an application from Cornwall Council we are considering eight beaches for designation as bathing waters under the Bathing Water Directive:

• Booby's Bay, near St Merryn
• Godrevy, The Towans, near Hayle (this should not be confused with the bathing water at The Towans (Godrevy), which would be re-named)
• Gwynver, Whitesand Bay
• Mexico Towan, The Towans, near Hayle
• Northcott Mouth, near Bude
• South Fistral, Newquay
• Tregonhawke, Whitsand Bay
• Upton Towan, The Towans, near Hayle

Bathing waters are beaches or inland waters that are popular for bathing, where the Environment Agency monitors the water quality between May and September each year.

Three other sites were included in Cornwall Council's application: Black Rock, Widemouth Bay; Bude Sea Pool; and Common Towan, Hayle. We have decided not to take these forward for designation because the Environment Agency has advised that the water quality at each site is reflected in the classification for an existing bathing water.  Black Rock beach sits within the same water body as Widemouth Sand; Bude Sea Pool is located on Bude Summerleaze beach and is inundated at each tide and Common Towan is within the bathing water at The Towans (Hayle).

Why your views matter

We would welcome your views on whether the eight beaches should be added to the list of designated bathing waters.

Consultees can respond using the online survey (please see below).

Responses can also be sent to:

Bathing Water Team

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Area 3D Nobel House

17 Smith Square

London SW1P 3JR

or by email to bathingwater@defra.gsi.gov.uk.

Please state which beach you are commenting on and tell us your views on the proposal and the reasons or evidence to support your views.