Sir, Natural England designated the Easton Bavents area in Suffolk as a site of national geological importance because it patently is one — as Justice Blair entirely agreed in Friday’s High Court judgment (“A home at stake in battle between birds and fossils”, Dec 6).

The new boundary does not stop Peter Boggis, whose efforts to protect his home have received court support, building sea defences. It means that planning authorities need to take the impacts on the site into account when considering any development. If Waveney District Council feels that the benefits of a sea defence outweigh the negative impacts on conservation it can authorise its construction. To date, Waveney has not been able to make this choice as Mr Boggis has not made a full application for planning permission — even though Waveney supported his case in court. He also needs to approach the Environment Agency for a licence.

Natural England wishes to continue working with Mr Boggis and other agencies to find a solution. We believe that the planning system is the right place to balance the public interests of the conservation site and the private interests of homeowners and we would encourage Mr Boggis to make use of it.

Helen Phillips

Chief Executive, Natural England

Letter published in the Times