Bathing waters: de-designation of Walpole Bay

We want to know what you think about the proposal to remove Walpole Bay from the list of designated bathing waters. This proposal follows an application we have received from Thanet District Council.

We have published evidence of facilities and usage at the beaches, as well as the outcomes of a local consultation. You can also read the criteria for designation and dedesignation of bathing waters.

Bathing waters are designated under the Bathing Water Directive (76/160/EEC, revised by 2006/7/EC).

Update: 20 March 2014

The initial user data reported in this summary has been corrected. The figures were based on a summary of the raw data which had been re-calculated, but this was not reported to Defra. We have now provided the full survey data and a corrected summary of usage. In order to allow a full consultation period with the correct usage figures, the consultation end date has been extended.

We have also added the data from the Environment Agency’s survey of beach usage, which is summarised in the consultation document, and a map showing the zones that were used in counting bathers and beach users.