The government is applying to the Central Planning Authority to add restrooms and cabanas to Frank Sound Public Beach.
At the cost of $200,000, the application on behalf of the Ministry of District Administration and Land, includes the addition of a building for restrooms and showers, one vendor kiosk, four cabanas, and six parking spaces.
The beach currently has a boat launch and dock.
The matter previously came before the CPA in April, but was adjourned to enable the National Conservation Council to consider the application, as it was likely to have an adverse effect on a Marine Protected Area.
The site is located adjacent to a marine reserve and the beach is turtle nesting habitat.
The Department of Environment, in comments made under delegated authority from the National Conservation Council, is recommending that an overall comprehensive policy for all public beaches be drawn up.
It stated, “Whilst the DoE supports public beach options for the community, not every Public Beach should be highly developed nor do they all need to have the same facilities. Some people want natural beach options as well, where they can sit under shade trees with their towels.”
It also noted that once vegetation is cleared at beaches, it often results in wind-borne erosion of the land and general coastal erosion.
“As the application site is a turtle nesting beach, coastal vegetation is therefore important for the integrity of the beach and to ensure there is an appropriate nesting habitat for sea turtles,” it said.
It recommended that the onsite coastal vegetation be retained, particularly seaward of the proposed development, to reduce the potential for erosion and to promote turtle nesting.
It encouraged the Public Works Department to only clear the development footprint at the Frank Sound beach and to retain as much mature native vegetation as possible in the landscaping scheme.
It added that, if the cabanas are to be installed, they should have natural roofing material, such as thatch, to prevent materials that do not break down from entering the Marine Protected Area during inclement weather.
When the National Conservation Council considered the matter back in April, it directed that, if permission is granted, all construction materials at the beach must be stockpiled at least 75 feet from the mean high water mark to reduce the possibility of run-off washing material and debris entering the Marine Protected Area.
It also directed that if any insulating concrete forms (ICFs) or other polystyrene materials are used, measures such as screens or other enclosures, along with vacuuming, must be put in place to stop shavings, foam waste, or polystyrene debris from impacting the marine environment.
The application includes a request for a variance to the setback from the high water mark for the proposed cabanas. Planning regulations require a setback of at least 130 feet, while the application asks for setbacks ranges between 85 and 98 feet from the high water mark.
The proposal is scheduled to be considered by the Central Planning Authority at its 5 June meeting.
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