On 27 April, 2009, Waveney District Council announced their decision to "de-designate" the naturist beach at Corton in Suffolk as from 1st November 2009. The rationale for this decision was to enable the residents of Corton Village to have access to the beach now that their beach was no longer available due to erosion.

Signs were erected near the beach stating:

"Waveney District Council advises users that as of November 1 2009 this stretch of Corton Beach is NO LONGER DESIGNATED AS A NATURIST/CLOTHES OPTIONAL AREA. All visitors are kindly asked to respect this decision and show consideration for other beach users."

At the same time WDC promised to explore potential alternative sites which might be suitable for naturists. In a consultation process WDC contacted Parish councils along the coast. They  were asked to confirm whether, in their view, they were able to recommend a site fo a new designated naturist beach within their locality.

None of the Parishes council was able to recommend a suitable location and Waveney District Council have  decided not to allocate another beach for naturists to use.

On 1st June 2009, the "Waveney District Council (Public Bathing) Byelaw 1984", which required the wearing of clothing throughout the District of Waveney  (except between groynes 14 and 18 at Corton)  was revoked.

British Naturism's Research and Liaison Officer and Regional Representative have had meetings with Suffolk Constabulary and Waveney District Council to discuss naturism within Waveney, as a result of which Suffolk Constabulary agreed to prepare guidance notes for their officers should they receive a complaint of people being undressed.

Since the only usual national legislation now applies in the Waveney area (the anti-nudity byelaw having been revoked) naturists can, in effect, use any of the beaches.

In the absense of a  byelaw requiring you to be clothed, public nudity is not of itself  illegal in England and Wales (Scottish Law is different). In other words, naturism is legal if you behave reasonably.

According to Waveney District Council:

"Naturist activity now falls within the bounds of public decency legislation and the Council would take the view that it is for the naturist community both to manage their activity appropriately and for the police to assess whether any behavioural boundaries have been crossed."
"Waveney District Council is not, and never has been, opposed to naturism or the naturist community."

There is a suggestion that naturists should use the beach to the south of Tramps Alley - go down the access path and turn right instead of left toward the "traditional" naturist beach. This section of beach is said to be wider and sandier. Naturists who choose to follow this suggestion should, of course, behave properly and with consideration for other beach users.