APPENDIX 37
Memorandum submitted
by Mr Campbell Voullaire (F62)
This is sent on behalf of a Group of residents
of Porlock, Somerset (perhaps 750 in number) who believe that
coastal protection should not be justified only by the market
value of property without considering the uniqueness of an environment,
or of natural beauty, or a site of distinctive character.
Let me give an example from this area. There
is a shingle ridge which, like that of Chesil in Dorset, is reputed
to be some 6,000 years old. The sea has rolled it backwards and
forwards, and it has preserved a 500 acre marsh which receives
eight fresh water streams from the surrounding hills and which,
in turn, sustain two small saline lakes.
Then, many years ago, man interfered when, during
and after the War, every acre of dry land was needed and the natural
rolling shingle beach was "improved" in various places.
In recent years, the sea has pounded these parts
of the ridge which, unable to roll, have given way along a 50
yard breech. We have asked Environment Agency repeatedly to consider
some re-formation of the ridge. This has been refused on the grounds
that MAFF policy denies use of public funds because there are
no houses, shops or roads to defend.
This area, unique in the southwest of England,
has provided vegetation and reed beds for uncommon birds; it had
a mile of the coastal path of South West England running beside
it; it has the historic interest of fields which have had the
same mediaeval patterns for some 500 years; it had some 200 acres
of grazing fields. It was classed as SSSI some 20 years ago.
Perhaps a minor matter—it carries a Memorial
stone to American airmen who crashed during the War. No unit value,
so no protection.
We have employed, at our expense, distinguished
marine engineers, Ove Arop Partners, and they have shown that
the ridge can be re-formed without undue expense.
It would be easy for me to compose something
on the lines of the late Mark Antony's speech, praising the benefits
of modern bureaucratic control and comparing with mild irony the
former discredited system which allowed local communities, farmers
and owners to preserve their countryside.
We ask your Select Committee to recommend that
greater discretion should be allowed to those who decide cases
for coastal defence.
29 June 1998
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