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BEACH HUTS
20 July 2016
Lead MP
Christopher Chope
Debate Type
Adjournment Debate
Tags
EconomyTaxationHousingCulture, Media & SportStandards & EthicsLocal Government
Other Contributors: 3
At a Glance
Christopher Chope raised concerns about beach huts in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Mr Speaker, I welcome the Minister for Housing and Planning to his first outing. Beach huts are integral parts of British seaside holidays but their legal status is unclear due to a lack of defined planning permission requirements. An example of best practice is North Somerset Council’s approach which included full consultation and transparency in granting 132 beach huts at Weston-super-Mare. In contrast, Christchurch Borough Council avoided following proper procedures for months, causing public consternation. The council secretly agreed with a television company to build 12 new beach huts as part of the Channel 4 series 'George Clarke's Amazing Spaces'. This decision was made without full public consultation and planning permission, despite being on land that is also part of a site of special scientific interest (SSSI). Local residents protested heavily against this proposal and an online petition with over 1,400 signatures was presented to the council. The legal uncertainty around beach huts needs clarification from the Government to ensure proper consultation processes are followed.
Rebecca Pow
Con
Somerton and Frome
Acknowledges that some beaches have landmark beach huts, such as those at Dunster.
Peter Bone
Constitutional
Wellingborough
Highlights the issue of councils giving themselves planning permission when they own land and how this case is even worse because no application was made in the first place.
Ian Mearns
Lab
Durham, Castle Eden
Suggests referring the matter to the district auditor given the use of public money and lack of proper legal considerations.
Government Response
EconomyTaxationHousingCulture, Media & SportStandards & EthicsLocal Government
Government Response
I congratulate Mr Chope on securing this debate. The Government supports coastal communities through various initiatives, including a £4 billion contribution to the economy annually from coastal tourism and over £120 million invested in seaside towns via the Coastal Communities Fund since 2016. This has created or safeguarded 18,000 jobs. Regarding beach huts, councils have permitted development rights for ancillary buildings, but whether a particular development needs planning permission is decided by local authorities and ultimately courts. The Government will reflect on Mr Chope's request to look at the wording of the general permitted development order. Development granted through this route remains subject to the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010. Despite concerns about Natural England’s involvement, it’s open for third parties aggrieved by a council’s decision to apply for judicial review within six weeks or ask the local government ombudsman to investigate maladministration. Encouragement is given for councils to engage with their communities on future proposals.
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