Waveney District Council is this week speaking to representatives of local coastal communities about the possibility of relocating the district’s naturist beach following the ‘de-designation’ of the Corton facility.

Significant beach erosion during the past 20 years has led to a reduction of some 80% of available beach space at Corton and following an extensive public consultation, the decision to “de-designate” was taken. However, this decision was made with two clear caveats: first, that the facility would remain open until the end of this summer season and second, that Waveney would undertake to explore potential alternative sites which are suitable for naturists but which are not currently affected by the erosion issues we have in Corton.

On this basis Waveney is therefore asking for views on the potential relocation of the naturist facility. Waveney District Council is NOT opposed to naturism and believes an alternative location should be sought if at all possible.

Cllr Ken Sale, Portfolio Holder for the Environment said: “The Council has been working with British Naturism to establish some important criteria for any new facility. These criteria incorporate the needs and wishes of both the naturist and local communities.

“At this stage, we are ‘fact-finding’ and should any potential site meet the criteria laid down for such a facility we will seek to explore the options further.”

Speaking on behalf of British Naturism, Allan Kidney said: “We welcome this positive approach by Waveney District Council and look forward to using suitable alternative site(s), with hopefully improved facilities, which do not suffer from the beach erosion issue.

"The byelaw prohibiting nudity in Waveney District has been revoked so there are no legal obstacles to a speedy solution to the problem.

“Many naturists prefer to use the agreed locations because they are more likely to meet other like minded people and they know that their day on the beach will be hassle-free. It is not widely known that nudity in public places is not in itself illegal and so misunderstandings do sometimes occur."

The council is asking for responses (which in no way constitute a commitment) prior to Friday September 4 2009.