Shadow Tourism Minister Cole Simons is urging Government to develop a “vision and plan” for Bermuda’s public beaches.The UBP MP said in a statement yesterday: “These national treasures have become embroiled in controversy in recent years because there is no overriding vision for their use and because the ground rules are not clear.”Last week, it was revealed that a planning application had been submitted for a two-storey restaurant at popular Horseshoe Beach.Meanwhile, in December, the Development Applications Board turned down for the second time an entrepreneur’s plan for a beach bar on Warwick Long Bay.Former Environment Minister Glenn Blakeney overrode the board’s first rejection of the plan and gave permission prompting Bermuda Environmental and Sustainability Taskforce (BEST) to successfully challenge his decision in the Supreme Court.Mr Simons said: “Ongoing battles over the use and development of beaches, involving developers, environmentalists, nearby residents and even the courts, indicate the need for clarity.“Bermuda has to strike the right balance between two basic types of beach experience beaches that provide the all-natural, commercial-free experience that preserves the pristine qualities of the Island and beaches that provide commercial services and amenities for its users.“Without a vision and plan, Bermuda’s beaches will continue to be subject to ad hoc pitched battles that waste resources and create ill will.”Mr Simons said the Island’s beaches were its “premier natural attractions” so it was important to strike the right balance to protect their beauty and provide proper amenities for visitors.“We want people to have the best possible beach experience and, in some instances, this means meeting their needs,” he said.“As an Island, we are in the hospitality business and we have to be cognizant of the fact that if we send hundreds of people to a beach on any given day we have to provide for them.”The Opposition politician added: “Some beaches should be left untouched and protected as nature reserves. Others need to be prudently managed so that families and visitors alike have access to well-run facilities and programmes, from food and drink, to lounge chairs and umbrellas, to summer movies, theatre and music, to waterborne activities and, of course, bathrooms.“We make this call because we see it as one area we can improve the experience of life in Bermuda, for residents and visitors alike. It is certainly something the new Tourism Board should consider.”It was not possible to get a response from Government or the Tourism Board last night.