The Department of Municipal Affairs and Environment says controversial work in the area of Ragged Beach will remain on hold, for now.

Tensions rose last Wednesday when displeased residents confronted a worker in an excavator on Gallow’s Cove Road, near Ragged Beach. The Department of Municipal Affairs and Environment says it received a complaint on the same day that infilling was occurring near the beach.

The Town of Witless Bay indicated the work was meant to address years of erosion in the area, but not all residents bought that.

Officials ordered the town to halt work, as they did not obtain the proper permit. Specifically, a permit is required when altering a body of water within 15 metres of the high-water mark.

Two days later, officials followed up with the town, reiterating the need for such a permit. At that point the town expressed its intention to submit an application. However, as of Monday afternoon, no such application had been received.

At the same time, an appeal of the town’s decision to undertake the work is currently before the Eastern Regional Appeal Board. According to the Urban and Rural Planning Act, work cannot continue until the Board gives a decision in the matter.