construction of sea walls and related developments along the Island's foreshore.

Effective immediately all applications to the Department of Planning for sea walls and similar protective structures along the coast must be advertised.

The submissions must also: Be accompanied by large-scale photographs of the existing conditions; An architect's rendering of the proposal; A comprehensive report on the condition of the property; Design and engineering specifications of the protective measure; and Conclusive evidence of the "under-threat'' conditions to justify the construction of the sea wall.

The extent and height of all sea walls must be kept to the minimum required to restore or protect property under threat. The exposed face of the sea wall must be designed, faced, and treated in a manner consistent with the natural appearance of the foreshore.

The reference in the guidelines restricts new sea walls to "under threat situations'' which pose a real danger to people or property. In all other circumstances nature will be left to take its course.

A policy guidance note on this subject will be available from the Department of Planning on October 1.

The guidelines follow a recent controversy on Saucos Hill where property owner Eric Prescesky, who is building a sea wall to protect and repair damage to his property caused by Hurricane Felix, was accused of stealing boulders from his neighbours and causing damage to foreshore.