CAR parks, cafes and tourist developments could be built in areas of coastal erosion as plans are unveiled to relax planning laws.

The building of any development is currently prohibited within any area affected by coastal erosion, such as Earnse Bay on Walney and land near to the Eskmeals gun range near Bootle.

But Planning Minister John Healey has outlined plans to relax laws in a bid to stimulate economic growth, which could see permission being granted for tourist developments.

Mr Healey said: “What we’re hearing from coastal communities is that right now temporary development that would be beneficial to the area’s economy and tourist industry is unable to go ahead.

“It’s really important for local businesses that they can keep going at this time of economic difficulties. That’s why we’re proposing to change the planning rules to allow safe time-limited development such as beach huts, car-parks and cafes to be built in coastal areas if there’s an economic benefit.”

Residents at West Shore Park, Walney, have long feared for the future of their homes against the onslaught of the Irish Sea. Barrow Borough Council installed 150 limestone rocks along the bay two years ago to provide temporary protection.

West Shore Park resident, and former chairman of the community association, Ollie Bryant, said the proposals were “ludicrous”.

Mr Bryant said: “I don’t think it’s a very good idea at all. If we can’t even manage to get permission to build coastal erosion defences, then why should they be allowed to build cafes and car parks?

“They don’t want to spend the money on defences and there are all these quangos that object to anything being done. It’s ludicrous.”

South Walney councillor David Marcus said: “Who would want to develop anything in an area that is eroding away? When we apply for funding from Defra they tell us that Earnse Bay doesn’t fit into their brief because they (West Shore Park chalets) are not permanent homes. More needs to be done to preserve Walney for the future.”

Under the proposals, house building will still be forbidden and the type of development allowed will depend on the vulnerability of the coastal area. Restrictions will be more stringent in areas which are at risk of erosion in the next 20 years.

Chris Smith, chairman of the Environment Agency, said: “This consultation, in conjunction with the next generation of Shoreline Managements Plans and Defra’s consultation on its Coastal Change Policy, is a major step towards achieving an integrated and sustainable plan for the coast in response to climate change.

“It will help individuals, businesses, communities and national organisations to adapt to the changing coast whilst maintaining all that people value most about its landscape, culture, wildlife and economy.”

Barrow and Furness MP John Hutton said: “It would not be sensible to economically blight an area where there can be safe developments even if they may only be for a temporary period. The opportunity to undertake such developments seems a sensible one and one that I am certain will be welcomed. I continue to be involved in discussions that support the provision of measures to address coastal erosion at Earnse Bay and elsewhere in my constituency.”

Story in the North West Evening Mail