St Mawes Artist Yvonne Fuller Triumphs in Coastal View Preservation

In a significant victory for local residents and artists, Yvonne Fuller, a prominent artist from St Mawes on the Roseland Peninsula, has successfully campaigned to lower a fence that obstructed the picturesque view of Tavern Beach. The decision comes after more than a year of advocacy, which included public demonstrations and artistic representations highlighting the adverse impact of the fence on the coastal vista.

Fuller’s campaign, which garnered widespread community support, culminated in a resolution by the St Just in Roseland Parish Council to reduce the height of the fence from 1.5 meters (approximately 5 feet) to its original height of 90 centimeters (3 feet). This change not only restores the scenic view but also reflects the collective voice of the community, as evidenced by the 500 signatures collected in support of the initiative.

The campaign began when residents, including Fuller, expressed their concerns regarding the new fence, which blocked views of St Anthony’s Head and the expansive ocean beyond. "I cannot understand why they wanted to do anything to spoil the view in this beautiful place, and that was the whole point of my argument," said Fuller, who used before-and-after paintings to illustrate the view’s obstruction.

Ruth Hazlitt, another local artist and member of the St Mawes Art Group, echoed Fuller’s sentiments, describing the taller fence as "hideous" and "nonsensical." Hazlitt remarked, "Previously, there was a clear view of St Anthony's Head, Summers Beach, and the open sea across to Falmouth. It's a wonderful spectrum of vision."

Councillor Sheelah Goldsmith, a representative of the St Just in Roseland Parish Council, explained the council's original concerns regarding compliance with height regulations, which prompted the installation of the higher fence. However, following discussions and a review of legal regulations, the council recognized that lowering the fence was permissible and aligned with the community's wishes. Goldsmith stated, "I’m really pleased; I think the 500 signatures backing the idea of the fence coming down needed to be recognized."

Fuller’s journey, which began with her first public statement on the matter a year ago, included a site visit by the council in November 2024. This visit was pivotal in underscoring the need for the fence to be reconsidered. The process of obtaining community feedback and navigating local governance illustrates the complexities often faced in community advocacy.

As communities continue to grapple with development and preservation issues, Fuller’s victory serves as a reminder of the power of collective action in maintaining the beauty of public spaces. This case also raises broader questions about the balance between development and the preservation of natural views, a concern that resonates in many coastal communities across the United Kingdom.

Looking ahead, the decision to lower the fence may inspire similar initiatives in other areas facing challenges related to visual obstructions from development. It highlights the importance of civic engagement in local governance, particularly in matters that directly affect the quality of life and environmental aesthetics in small communities. As such, the implications of this victory extend beyond St Mawes, potentially influencing future policy decisions regarding coastal development and community-led preservation efforts.