The petition of residents of the constituency of South West Devon and the surrounding area,
Declares that the continued closure of Mount Batten Beach peninsula is having a significant impact on local residents, sea swimmers, water sports users, businesses and the wider community; further declares that residents want to see the site reopened safely as soon as possible; further notes that specialist expertise is required to identify the source of the asbestos contamination and determine the steps needed to enable the safe reopening of the site.
The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the Government and Plymouth City Council to do whatever it takes to secure the necessary specialist expertise as soon as possible, provide the community with clear answers on the next steps, and work at pace towards the safe reopening of Mount Batten Beach and peninsula.
And the petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Rebecca Smith, Official Report, 14 September 2026; Vol. 790, c. 1546.]
[P003237]
Observations from the Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Emma Hardy):
I would like to thank the community of South West Devon for raising this issue of asbestos contamination on Mount Batten beach. The Government recognise how important these sites are for local residents and businesses, and would like to see it open as soon as it is deemed safe to do so.
Operational responsibility for the investigation of the contamination and any further decisions on the future of Mount Batten beach lie with Plymouth city council. The Government are working with the relevant authorities to continue their assessments and ensure the safety of the site. It expects that all affected communities will be kept informed of this work as it progresses.
Plymouth city council has created a dedicated webpage,
https://www.plymouth.gov.uk/mount-batten-beach that provides updates on its investigations and to provide information to the local community. While the source of asbestos contamination is currently unknown, any further information will be communicated to ensure the safety of the local community.
The UK Health Security Agency has been working with Plymouth city council by providing specialist public health advice while assessments take place. It does not hold any regulatory or enforcement powers in relation to beach management or environmental investigations and so it is assisting in an advisory capacity.
The Government recognise the concerns raised by residents. The Department will continue to support any actions taken by the relevant bodies and expects the responsible authorities to continue their investigations and communicate clearly with affected communities. Decisions on any reopening of the beach must be informed by the relevant evidence and statutory responsibilities.