Sole objection to resource consent prompts hearing on Clifton sea wall

Sand and gravel had to be added to the road access at the entrance to Clifton motor camp after a large storm last winter. PHOTO/FILE

Progress on a proposal to build a sea wall at Clifton Beach has been delayed due to opposition to the Hastings District Council resource consent application to the Hawke's Bay Regional Council (HBRC).

Submissions on the application to upgrade an existing 80-metre-long limestone rock revetment and construct an additional 400m-long limestone rock sea wall to prevent erosion closed on December 15 last year, attracting 76 in support of the proposal and one against.

HBRC consents planner Greg Shirras said submissions in favour of the extended sea wall came from parties across Hawke's Bay, and included the likes of Gannet Beach Adventures and the Clifton Marine Club.

"These submissions all supported the application and said any work to minimise erosion should be encouraged," he said.

One submitter, however, had concerns about how long the revetment would last and whether it was an appropriate solution.

As a result of this submission a hearing would have to be held to allow the submitter to voice their concerns.

"We are in the process of looking at who would be on that hearing panel and setting a date, which would be likely to be in early March, but all the work such as the report writing is still going ahead, and will be discussed at that hearing."

Subject to ongoing shoreline retreat over many years, access to Clifton Domain and campground had become difficult and risky in recent years.

An access road to the area had been relocated three times between 2009 and 2013, when the 80m sea wall was built.

In June last year, large swells caused more damage and the access was temporarily relocated further inland within the Clifton homestead property, to restore safe access to the Clifton motor camp, Clifton Marine Club and boat ramp.

The proposed new sea wall would be built from the edge of the existing structure, extending west to the front of Clifton cafe, intended to protect access to the camp and boat ramp for the next 35 years.

The Hastings District Council consulted on the wall during its annual plan process last year, attracting almost 3000 public responses, with 72 per cent either in favour of the plan or neutral.

If the consents were granted the $1 million wall would be funded through a loan, with contributions from the marine club and reserve society.