A council has begun negotiating with trucking tycoon Lindsay Fox about controversial bollards installed on a prime stretch of Portsea beach he now owns.

Mornington Peninsula Shire is investigating whether state government zoning changes will empower it to order Mr Fox to remove a new row of bollards erected at the front of his waterfront property.

Frustrated locals have criticised the council for not doing enough. Credit:Luis Enrique Ascui

But frustrated locals have criticised the council for not doing enough and accused it of being frightened of Mr Fox.

Under zoning changes announced by Planning Minister Matthew Guy in April, development on privately owned beaches can only go ahead with state government approval.