Controversial beach hut plan thrown out

Steve Hall, who owns the strip of private land next to Herbrand Walk, wanted to erect 28 huts, together with a lifeguard station, two wooden toilet huts, rubbish bins, dog waste bins, car parking, information signs, and walling and shingle protection.

His application included plans to employ a lifeguard/kayak instructor during the summer season.

But Mr Hall's scheme attracted more than 70 letters from objectors who feared an increase in traffic, accidents, noise and jet skis.

Residents also feared litter, vandalism and a loss of bird life and said there was inadequate parking proposed. Others branded the plans an overdevelopment.

Officers from Rother District Council supported the scheme but councillors went against their recommendation at yesterday's (Thursday) planning meeting.

Cllr Joanne Gadd said: "The road is far too narrow to accommodate more traffic which would mean massive parking problems.

"Local people like to go to the beach to relax and for a day out with their family and this should not be violated."

Cllr Dierdre Williams said: "The need to protect open spaces is vital. I do worry about the pollution with the increase in the amount of traffic.

"There are very few of these areas of beach left."

She said it was 'sad' that the council had not bought the strip of land at an earlier date.

Cllr David Vereker said: "This is an unspoilt beach which is an attraction in itself.

"It seems a shame to spoil it with a whole load of beach huts. Tourists love to see a wide open beach."

But Cllr Patrick Douart was more supportive of Mr Hall's application.

He said: "We have a chance to work with the owner of the beach. Over the years that part of beach has caused no end of problems.

"We have, for example, had complaints about travellers setting up camp there and accumulating piles of rubbish."

Mr Hall told the Observer that he had no immediate comment to make but is now considering his next move.