East Suffolk - Suffolk Coastal District Council and Waveney District Council

05/07/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 05/07/2024 12:34

Felixstowe beach hut reinstatement approved

Posted by on 7 May 2024 | Comments

East Suffolk Council has approved the reinstatement of a remaining 14 of more than 40 beach huts which had to be transferred from Felixstowe beach due to erosion.

In December, the Council's Planning Committee South unanimously approved plans for the relocation of the 14 beach huts with associated wooden platforms on the beach near the Spa Pavilion.

On Tuesday, 7 May, Cabinet members gave final approval for the move - enabling owners to build the platforms and reinstate their beach huts.

The 14 huts were among 44 which had to be moved from their original sand platforms due to erosion caused by storms in 2018.

The huts were temporarily moved to the Promenade while the Council consulted with beach hut owners to explore all options for more permanent solutions.

Approval was then sought for a number of smaller, safer sites, including for 14 huts to be repositioned on wooden platforms near the Spa Pavilion.

New locations were also found for 30 huts, utilising alternative sites such as Manor End, The Dip, Pier South, and a new beach site at Clifflands.

Cllr Paul Ashton, East Suffolk Council's Cabinet member for Assets and Corporate Services, said:

"Since the new administration was elected last May, we have sought to engage constructively with beach hut owners and groups. This has been received positively by the groups we have met so far.

"While finding a solution for the remaining 14 huts, we have considered the impact of the wooden frameworks on other beach users and the beach scene in winter when the huts will be moved to the promenade. Lots of empty frameworks would have detracted from the heritage value of the sea front, but we believe these 14 can be sited without a negative impact. I am pleased that Cabinet has agreed with our plans today.

"Rising sea levels and more severe weather events will continue to pose challenges to some of our beach hut sites, but we will work with hut owners to find solutions that means East Suffolk residents and visitors can enjoy our beaches and beach huts for many years to come.

"Beach huts are an important part of seaside history and a key part of Felixstowe's heritage."

Approval will be subject to a number of conditions, including continued oversight through partnership working, mitigation and coastal management monitoring.