PROPOSALS to erect beach huts on Seaford’s seafront are set to go before Lewes planners next week. 

On Wednesday (March 10), Lewes District Council planners are due to consider an application for the new structures and toilet facilities along the promenade opposite Hardwicke House, West View and Sunken Gardens.

The application comes from Seaford Town Council, which intends to use the income from the huts to supplement its services. 

In a report to the committee, a Lewes planning officer said: “The proposed beach huts would enhance visitor facilities and support the local economy and, by this virtue, coastal regeneration.

“The siting of the huts would not cause an unacceptable obstruction to pedestrians using the promenade and the ability to remove and/or reposition the huts would ensure their presence would not compromise regular maintenance of coastal flood defences.”

While recommended for approval by officers, the proposals have proven to be contentious among a number of local residents. 

According to planning papers, the council has received a petition of objection signed by 189 people as well as 36 individual letters of objection. 

The objections cover a variety of issues, but generally boil down to arguments that the huts would have an unacceptable impact on the character of the area. 

Objectors also raised concerns around the potential for the huts to attract anti-social behaviour to the town’s seafront.

Some residents have also written in support of the scheme, however, with the council receiving 28 individual letters in favour. 

The application itself seeks permission to erect eight beach huts, three portaloo style toilets and four concession huts.

The structures would be temporary, being removed from the site from the end of September to the beginning April each year, with the exception of one of the concession hut, which would be on site all year round.

According to planners, the beach huts would be positioned close to the southern edge of the promenade, overlooking the beach whilst the other huts would be set back adjacent to the low wall flanking the northern side of the promenade. 

The huts would be distributed along an approximately 85 metre section of the promenade.

For further details of the proposals see application reference LW/20/0166 on the Lewes District Council planning website.