The public is set to be asked about a stretch of scenic seafront which has become a controversial parking area.

Councillors have agreed to launch a consultation on Shingle Bank, which is on the border of Sheerness and Minster.

On Wednesday (December 11), a community and leisure committee meeting was held at Swale House in Sittingbourne.

The bank is a popular spot for visitors to Sheppey, however, locals say people are practically living there and committing anti-social acts such as urinating in public.

There are no charges for people to park at the site but vehicles are not allowed to stay overnight.

Nearby, the Ship on Shore car park had charges introduced in March and some are calling for Shingle Bank to do the same.

Metal posts were installed to reduce width restrictions for larger vehicles, but these have been vandalised and cut with an angle grinder to allow further access.

As a result, the idea of having either temporary or permanent CCTV on site is to be reviewed.

Other options include maintaining the restriction by setting concrete blocks into the shingle, making displacing them more difficult.

It is estimated that these works would cost around £5,000 due to the specialist machinery required to lift the heavy blocks out of position before excavating.

Emma Wiggins, the council’s director of regeneration and neighbourhoods, told committee members the authority is “very keen” to hold a consolation.

She said: “There is a lot of emotion attached to Shingle Bank, particularly in terms of people’s views – they are conflicting and always have been.”

Ms Wiggins noted that whatever is decided must be properly enforced.

Parking charges were previously implemented at Shingle Bank, but only a daily average of 2.6 transactions were recorded throughout the 2014-15 financial year.

“That for officers certainly is the conundrum, because we have tried different things in the past and it hasn’t necessarily worked,” she explained.

“But that does not mean we won’t try, depending on what the outcome of the consultation is.

“It’s not simple and I think we have a situation that has exacerbated.”

Minster Cliffs ward councillor, Tom Nundy (SIA), said he had received “numerous complaints” but also added that many people were “happy with the situation”.

He was “frustrated” with how long it has taken for it to be discussed at the committee and wants to encourage the public to share their opinions.

Cllr Mike Whiting (Ind), who represents Queenborough and Halfway, also agreed and described how he had “hundreds of comments” from residents in the past year.

He previously suggested at the February budget and finance meeting that a £25 per night charge should be put in place for campervans.

The councillor wants to go to consultation “as soon as possible”, with a minimum period of four to six weeks.

Cllr Dolley Wooster (Lab) said it was “imperative” to understand the welfare of those living on the site who might be displaced and what support will be available.

Vice-chairman Cllr Elliott Jayes (SIA) proposed to put a series of questions out to the public. He believed Shingle Bank was one of the “top issues” residents bring to the council’s attention and that the most important question to be addressed is the length of stay.

Cllr Tara Noe (Con) seconded the proposal.

A draft of the public consultation was presented at the meeting, which can be viewed here.

One of the questions included what should be the “preferred outcome” for the site.

The options offered are: keeping the parking arrangements the same, implementing an overnight charge for all vehicles or banning anyone from parking there permanently.

It is also asking if there would be a charge of £10, £15 or £20 to park overnight, as well as what type of vehicles can stay – such as motorhomes, campervans or caravans.

All town and parish councils will be asked for their views.

The consultation will then be reviewed and a decision is set to be made in March, during another committee meeting.