Diggers rip up sand dunes

Excavators flatten the dunes at Papamoa. Picture / Bay of Plenty Times

A section of longstanding sand dunes near the beach at Papamoa has been flattened - well before the developer has decided what to build on the controversial coastal property.

The developer Frasers Papamoa has pressed on by levelling the 2.7ha beachfront site after receiving earthworks consent from Environment Bay of Plenty and subdivision consent from the Tauranga City Council.

Five earthmoving machines moved in on Tuesday to clear the site alongside the Pacific Shores gated community - just a short walking distance over other well- established sand dunes to the beach.

- BAY OF PLENTY TIMES