NEW entrance barriers have been proposed for the Bantham Beach car park, but fears that this may reduce access may be premature.

Dog walkers and surfers raised their concerns after the planning application was listed on the South Hams District Council website.

Rebecca Ladds of Modbury wrote to the council to object, saying: ‘I fear the erection of a barrier would prevent us having the ability to just pop down for a dog walk or surf. It would restrict our right and our access to the beach.

‘I visit Bantham regularly. I am happy to pay the current locals parking fee as this still gives me the freedom to pop in and out, walk then go to the pub for an early pint with friends on a Friday. The barrier will restrict access.’

Jack Ellis of East Allington wrote: ‘Having worked as a lifeguard at this beach for seven years I understand the extent to which access to Bantham plays a part in the day to day lives of many.

‘Erecting a barrier will prevent many from parking outside of peak hours and will cause major parking issues around the village due to the number of surfers and dog walkers.’

S Price of Kingsbridge wrote: ‘Everyone should be allowed access to natural spaces and beaches. No one owns that right. In the summer there is a price for parking because there are lots of visitors but in the winter the locals should be able to access the beach and the ocean without paying huge parking fees.’

But it is understood that the plans for the new barriers are in their very early stages and at present there is no suggestion of limiting further access.

Although the new estate owner’s management declined to comment, it is believed that the barriers would be automatic and the beach would therefore be able to be accessed 24 hours a day, rather than the current situation where the main gates are locked at 5pm.

The planning application can been seen at: apps.southhams.gov.uk/planningsearch and searching for application number: 55/2484/15/F