Decision

a)   to agree the proposed interim arrangements for the regularisation, adaption or removal of unauthorised balconies, verandas and other similar decked structures at beach huts in the Southcliff area of Walton-on-the-Naze, as set out in the report;

b)   to agree the implementation of the revised Beach Hut Specification (attached as Appendix 1 to the report) which notably includes changes from the previously published version to reflect the aforementioned interim arrangements and incorporate more flexibility in respect of balustrade heights for balconies and verandas – allowing them to be between 900 and 1100mm in height;

c)   to agree that the ‘extended’ annual licence fee for 2027/28 for a beach hut with a balcony, veranda or similar decked structure will be the regular licence fee plus the sum of £70 (inclusive of VAT), to be reviewed on an annual basis thereafter;

d)   to agree the proposed communication to the owners of beach huts at Southcliff (above promenade level) as set out in Part 3 of the report; and

e)   to note that whilst priority is being given to addressing unauthorised balconies, verandas and other decked structures in Southcliff, Walton-on-the-Naze over 2026/27 and 2027/28, the approach and timeframe to actively enforcing the specification requirements in respect of other unauthorised structures elsewhere in the District will be considered when the Council next reviews the overall Beach Hut Strategy.

Reasons for the decision

The current approach to regularising, adapting or removing unauthorised balconies, verandas and other decked structures at beach huts in Southcliff has not worked. It has attracted objections and formal complaints in respect of its fairness and practicality and a revised approach is required.

Alternative options considered

Resume the previous approach to the regularisation, adaptation or removal of balconies and verandas including the requirement for a £120 Visual Inspection and make no revisions to the Beach Hut Specification despite the objections and complaints that have been raised and the practical issues that have been discovered.
Remove any allowance for balconies and verandas from the Beach Hut Specification and remove, or otherwise require the removal, of all unauthorised structures and withhold beach hut licences from anyone that refused to comply.