Fury over bid to build more beach huts on Hayling Island

Havant Borough Council wants to raise money from selling the long-term lease and yearly ground rent.

But the plans have been criticised by Hayling councillor Andy Lenaghan, who said they will ruin the sea view for disabled people and look like ‘chicken sheds’.

He added: ‘To be honest I am not impressed with the design in the least if the best we can do is a straight line of huts along the beach looking like chicken sheds that I used to visit on the farms.

‘There is so much wrong with this application – especially totally blocking a sea view in an area with the best vehicular access for disabled beach users.

‘We cannot maintain our existing stock to a reasonable standard or enforce owners to look after theirs so why we should approve more is beyond me.’

Cllr Lenaghan is attempting to have the application thrown out.

Hayling Island Residents’ Association is also objecting.

In an email seen by The News, Chris Mathias, from the operational services department at the council, said they want to sell the leases before the council potentially goes into partnership with a joint-venture company next year.

In a statement the council said: ‘The tourism and visitor economy are important.

‘The provision of additional beach huts on a secure long-term basis will encourage tourism to the area to the benefit of local business owners. The core strategy includes policies that support the retention and enhancement of tourism and tourist facilities.

‘The importance of tourism on Hayling Island is further supported through the identification of south Hayling as an area for focused regeneration.

‘This is where we proposed to install additional beach huts.

‘Beach huts can add to the character of the local area in a low-impact way.

‘They encourage tourism and boost community spirit amongst owners.’

The huts are planned for the section of beach at the bottom of Chichester Avenue.

Council officials said there were no artist’s impressions available yet.

A spokesman added: ‘They would be similar to the existing huts.’