It has also referred to development in the area between Cresta Quay and the adjacent hotel at St George’s Bay as an example of the occupation of the coastline by private interests.

AD’s spokesman for the environment Mark Causon said: “Public access to the coastline should be guaranteed in the same way as public rights of way in the UK. Presently, Mepa can regulate public access along the coast when considering development applications or in preparing development plans.”

Alternattiva Demokratika noted that Structure Plan policy CZM 03 states that: “Public access around the coastline immediately adjacent to the sea or at the top of cliffs (including in bays, harbours, and creeks) will be secured. This will include taking shore lands into public ownership, government acquisition of illegal developments and encroachments, and suitable construction work.”

Alternattiva Demokratika is calling on the government to ensure that this structure plan policy is implemented. “All the coastline should be brought into public ownership within a specified period.”

Mark Causon pointed out that abuse in this field is rampant. “The area between Cresta Quay and the hotel adjacent to it, which also includes a Roman wall, is one example of how public access to the coast is being denied to the public”.