Beach in East Sussex could reopen to tourists following almost 20-year closure
A beach that’s been out of bounds to the public for almost two decades could reopen just in time for summer.
Newhaven West Beach, nestled below the historic Newhaven Fort in East Sussex, officially closed in 2008 due to the ‘dangerous condition’ of its cliffs.
French owners, Newhaven Port and Properties, were concerned that the crumbling sea-defence walls and harbour steps posed a threat to public safety.
It meant that this public space, dubbed a ‘part of life’ for locals, was suddenly cut off.
But now, 18 years later, James MacCleary, the Liberal Democrat MP for Lewes, has presented a bill to Parliament in an attempt to secure legal public access to the ‘beautiful sandy beach’.
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Advocating for the reopening, MacCleary stated: ’17 years ago, this beach was closed to the people of Newhaven.
‘For generations, the West Beach was where children learned to swim, families spent their summer and memories were made.
‘It was not just a stretch of sand; it was a part of life.’
The MP called on the government to ‘take this bill, adopt it, make it law and give Newhaven its beach back.’
This isn’t the first time campaigners have called for the beach to be reopened.
In 2015, locals attempted to have the beach awarded protected status, forcing officials to permit public access. However, the Supreme Court ultimately ruled in favour of NPP.
Currently, a fence stops people entering the beach, or accessing the breakwater and lighthouse.
Coastal erosion has been impacting beaches all across Britain — triggered by a combination of climate change and the resulting rise in sea level.
In response to this, the government has been working closely with coastal groups to create Shoreline Management Plans (SMP).
These detailed guides set out a planned approach to managing flood and coastal erosion risk around the coast of England to 2105.
This threat, which has already caused destruction around Britain, impacts homes, businesses, agriculture, and infrastructure.
Iconic 'pink beaches' reopen to tourists after 5 years
Sveti Stefan, a small island and luxury resort village in Montenegro, was closed to the public in 2021 amid a long-running legal and political dispute over beach access for locals. Now, five years later, the hotel operator on the island, Aman, has announced it will reopen its doors to guests this summer.
A highly exclusive and remote spot, Lonely Planet once called this slice of paradise the most ‘extraordinary sight along the Adriatic shoreline’.
Under the new settlement, locals will now have free access to Sveti Stefan Beach and King’s Beach, while Queen’s Beach will remain private for guests staying at Aman.
All three beaches are beautiful in their own right. With crystal-clear blue waters and dramatic coastal scenery, each offers visitors a unique and relaxing experience.
And if you ever get the chance to walk along the beaches in Sveti Stefan, you’ll notice their distinctive pink hue.
The soft blush colour comes from a mixture of fine sand, crushed red shells and pebbles. Under the sparkling Adriatic sunlight, it makes for quite a sight.
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