Decision details

Coastal & Beach Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO)

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: Yes

Is subject to call in?: Yes

Purpose:

Thanet District Council is proposing to introduce a new Beaches and Coast Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO). Creating a new PSPO will help protect our coastline and beaches with one code of conduct that replaces all previous beach byelaws. The introduction of the new PSPO will create a safer beach environment for all to enjoy, through deterring and reducing crime and anti-social behaviour and other undesirable activities, which our local communities and visitors are impacted by currently.

Decision:

Cabinet agreed to adopt the new beaches and coast PSPO on 18 March 2021, in accordance with the Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB), Crime and Policing Act 2014.

Reasons for the decision:

Cabinet has agreed to the decision on the introduction of the Beaches and Coast Public Spaces Protection Order and Code of Conduct because this will impact positively on the lives of people who live, work and visit our beaches and coastline protecting the district from detrimental harm. Over recent years, issues with the misuse of our beaches and coast have led to wide scale complaints of anti-social behaviour, a general disregard for the public realm and  our natural coastal environment.

 

PSPOs are only to be used to protect communities from unwanted anti-social behaviours and shall only be enforceable where there is reasonable evidence to do so.

Alternative options considered:

None.

Report author: Jasmin Vickers

Publication date: 19/03/2021

Date of decision: 18/03/2021

Decided at meeting: 18/03/2021 - Cabinet

Effective from: 27/03/2021

Accompanying Documents: