12/10/2026
Message from SOBO Beach
Wow!
We can’t believe the response we’ve had this past week, and we have witnessed first hand just how strong this community is, so thank you, from the bottom of our hearts!
We want the best solution for the site, for the community, for the future. We don't think the current process meets that.
In 2024 “BCP Council developed an official framework to explicitly use engagement, consultation, co-production, and lived experience to drive local choices. The framework stresses that while consultations are not a binding referendum, they are essential to understand the public's views before final decisions are made.” - bcpcouncil . gov . uk
We’ve heard your concerns about why the public weren’t consulted ahead of this tender.
“Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole (BCP) Council explicitly acknowledges the critical importance of community value across its core strategic frameworks, planning procedures, and asset management policies. The council formalizes this commitment by placing community empowerment and social value at the heart of its municipal operating model.” - bcpcouncil . gov . uk
We’ve heard your concerns about whether this has truly been accounted for in this process.
Councillor Herret has stated “The existing lease is due to expire at the end of October 2026; national legislation means we cannot simply extend that lease or appoint the existing operator on a ‘rollover’ basis.” - Daily Echo
Millie Earl has now reversed their position on this in her statement on Sunday
Councillor Millie Earl said “what I can do is give you assurance that the law has been followed and that once the lease is issued, we will work with the operator to meet planning requirements. What I can’t do though, in good conscience, is instruct officers to break the law and subvert the process.” - Social Media
We’ve heard you ask that the process be carried out fully, including public consultation and accounting for community value, not subverted, but a flawed process stopped and started again, properly.
There’s a lot of questions that have been asked and we don’t have faith in the councils’ responses to date.
We know that the future of this site is important, and that there are a lot of stakeholders in the future of the facilities here.
We believe the council should take this into account with a public consultation, and stakeholder consultation, that helps drive the design of a fair public tender.
The council can cancel the current selection and evaluation process at any time.
The council can legally extend the current operations.
The council can do this right, and they have the time and options available, the question is will they?
If you have questions for your councillor please find their email address on our website, remember they need to have confidence in the information they've been given in order to vote on behalf of you, their constituents, in tomorrow’s meeting. We worry they're being given limited, incorrect, and misleading information ahead of that vote.
