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A coastal community on Anglesey is in uproar over “unauthorised” work being carried on a scenic headland rich in wildlife. Photos show new tracks being created through gorse and heather using tonnes of shingle allegedly scooped from a nearby beach. The work began soon after Isallt Fawr headland near Trearddur Bay on Holy Island was sold as “commercial” land this summer. As the 5.75-acre site was marketed as a “potential development opportunity”, local people fear the work will be further expanded, claiming it amounts to the effective “privatisation” of a much-loved coastal beauty spot. Diggers have been pictured on the adjacent Porth y Corwgl beach and the work includes changes to a public footpath used by generations of locals to access the cove. Isallt Fawr, adjacent to Porth y Post beach, lies in Anglesey’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The local authority confirmed no planning consent was sought or granted for the work, and has pledged to carry out “further inspections”. The council would not confirm the identity of the developer. The footpath, following an historic cart track, has been stripped of its surrounding vegetation. It was used by locals to access the beach and some years ago was formalised as a public footpath, Among those incensed by the development is county councillor Pip O’Neill, who claimed the work had “desecrated” Anglesey's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Cllr O’Neill, who represents the neighbouring Tref Cybi ward, has personal reasons for taking an interest. Each year he lays flowers on the beach in memory of his late father, a commercial fisherman who lost his life in an accident nearby three decades ago. On November 13, 1995, his dad died when trying to extricate a colleague’s nets that had become snagged on rocks at Isallt Fawr. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now He said: “I find this very upsetting personally. Every year I’ve put flowers on the beach - I see this area as my Dad’s resting place rather than his grave in Maeshyfryd ( Holyhead cemetery). It’s very dear to my heart. “An area that’s part of Anglesey ’s AONB is being desecrated, causing a lot of upset in the local community. There’s a lot of love for the coastline and seeing this happening has created a huge amount of distress. “I’m concerned this work may set a precedent, opening up other coastal areas around Anglesey to potential development.” Complaints have been made to Natural Resources Wales and Anglesey Council , the latter arranging a site visit by enforcement officers earlier this month. Other images shared online indicate the headland is used by nesting tawny owls - and it’s alleged two badger setts have been disrupted by the works. Local people, who have long enjoyed walking across Isallt Fawr, have also complained of a loss of valuable flora. “The footpath to the beach is ruined and ancient hedgerow and headland have been destroyed,” fumed one woman online. Another added: “What about the owls that live and breed there? It’s catastrophic for such a beautiful natural coastal land.” One man claimed the headland had been “murdered”. Another said: “Public access is for everyone.... we have used that area for years for walking, swimming etc. This has to stop, or else our beautiful coastline will be privatised and that will be the end of it.” Martin and Karen Poulter, whose neighbouring property Moryn adjoins the footpath, said they were unaware of the works until they got underway. When they first moved to the house, the footpath was so overgrown they could only crawl along it. A short while after they cleared the route, it was formally adopted as a public footpath. Mr Poulter said: “We were as surprised as anyone when the work began and the digger moved in. The excavation has stopped in recent days but some pretty impressive fencing was installed this week. It appears to be quite a substantial development. “We have no problem with the footpath being used - it’s why we allowed a small diversion onto our land to ensure it remains accessible. We’re also happy for people to use the beach - we’ve even installed steps to make it easier.” Although Moryn has extraction rights for a small section of beach, this area has not been touched during recent works. It’s not known if there are similar extraction rights for the Porth y Post beach. Photos appear to show extraction taking place on the beach with trucks transporting material to the footpath and a newly established track on the headland. Generally, beach extraction is banned under the Coast Protection Act of 1949, both for personal and commercial use. This extends not just to sand but also to any natural material, such as pebbles and shells. The maximum penalty is £1,000. Natural Resources Wales said it was aware of the works. But a spokesperson added: “The land is not an SSSI, therefore NRW does not have a lead role. “The taking of materials from the beach is within the remit of the Marine Licensing arm of Welsh Government and the matter has been referred to them.” The administration has been approached for a comment. Cllr Keith Roberts, who represents the local Ynys Gybi ward, confirmed a council investigation was underway but said he was not in a position to comment formally until official enforcement orders have been issued. Another local member, Cllr Dafydd Thomas, has also raised concerns, and the matter has been discussed by Trearddur Bay Community Council. Get the best island stories from our Anglesey newsletter - sent every Friday Anglesey Council said it would be taking a closer look. Christian Branch, Anglesey’s head of regulation and economic development, said: “We are aware of the unauthorised works taking place on land between Porth y Post and Porth y Corwgl, and are actively investigating the matter. “An initial enforcement visit has been carried out, and further inspections will be undertaken to assess the full extent of the activities there. The site lies within the Anglesey AONB and we recognise the importance of protecting its unique landscape and biodiversity. “Understandably, the works have generated significant local concern. We are also reviewing the implications for public access, including the reported diversion of a public footpath. “As a result, we are working closely with partner organisations, including Natural Resources Wales, to establish the nature and scope of the works. "At this stage, no formal enforcement notices have been issued, but all available options remain under active consideration, including potential action under relevant legislation. As a council, we remain committed to upholding planning controls and safeguarding the island’s protected landscapes.” Find out what's happening near you
