Following the issue of an enforcement notice by Canterbury City Council to remove oyster Whitstable Oyster Fishery Company’s farming trestles, Ellie Evans acted as an expert witness at public inquiry to identify the economic impact of the trestles and the production of oysters for Whitstable. Ellie highlighted the historical association between the town and oysters, and the draw of oysters for visitors and the visitor economy, which has contributed to the significant economic development of the town in recent years. The Planning Inspectorate considered a wide range of factors in determining the outcome of the appeal, including ecological and safety matters, before determining that the trestles should be allowed to remain on the beach. In consideration of the decision, the planning inspector Katie Peerless stated “I have no doubt the oyster trestles as a whole are providing some economic benefit to the town and the production of Whitstable oysters contributes to the tourist industry and raises the profile of the town.” This decision will enable the world-famous and PGI designated Whitstable Oyster to continue to be produced, and to contribute to the offer of Whitstable as a sustainable visitor destination in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.