A community campaign to give Point Beach in Bembridge special bathing water status may soon get the backing of the Isle of Wight Council.
County Hall officers are recommending the environment and community protection committee (ECPC) support the principle of seeking a designation for the picturesque coastal stretch at its meeting next Thursday (29th October 2026).
Water quality would be monitored
If a site is given the status, the Environment Agency will monitor its water quality to protect the health of people bathing.
The Swim at The Point group submitted an application to the government for designating the beach.
Campaigners have said bathing water status shines a light on polluters and ensures action is taken to improve water quality.
Campaign follows storm overflow row
It comes after this summer’s row between Bembridge residents and Southern Water over a controversial bid to restore a storm overflow pipe.
In June, the utility paused the restoration plans after a backlash and protest, with locals concerned sewage would be dumped on the beach.
Southern Water argued that without the pipe, local homes and businesses are at risk of flooding.
What the council report says
A council report published ahead of the ECPC meeting says,
“The application follows evidence gathered by local residents demonstrating significant recreational use of the beach, including swimmer counts and public support surveys.
“The applicants have requested a letter of support from the Isle of Wight Council to accompany the application.
“While the council is not the owner or manager of the beach, officers have identified that designated bathing water status may create modest financial and operational responsibilities relating to signage, public information and pollution incident management.”
Draft letter of support
The paper recommends councillors authorise Natasha Dix, County Hall’s service director for waste, environment and planning, in consultation with Councillor Karen Lucioni, ECPC chair, to issue a letter of support.
A draft letter shared by officers says,
“The committee acknowledges the contribution that the Island’s beaches make to public health and wellbeing, outdoor recreation, sustainable tourism and community identity.
“Point Beach forms part of the wider coastal environment that contributes to the Isle of Wight’s natural capital and UNESCO Biosphere designation.”
Biosphere Reserve status
The Isle of Wight was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in June 2019 which the council has said recognises the Island’s unique mix of plants and animals, environment and sustainable way of life.
ECPC members will consider the report at a County Hall meeting starting at 5pm on 29th October 2026.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
