Councillors vote on the future of beach huts
Members of the public attended the Civic Centre in Littlehampton to hear councillors debate and decide on potential sites for new beach huts in the district.
The Economy Committee met on the evening of 22 October 2024 to discuss and vote on whether proposed sites for additional beach huts along the Arun coast would be subject to consultation and investigation work, or whether they would be dismissed from the process.
Close to 100 members of the public attended the meeting to witness the proceedings and were warmly welcomed by the Committee Chair, Cllr Roger Nash. The public gallery area was near capacity as interest in this agenda item was high.
After presentation of the report and considered debate from across the chamber and comments from a number of non-committee members, recorded votes were taken on all sites. The following sites were voted on in a block and it was determined they would not be considered further:
- Bognor Regis Promenade (shingle) between the Pier and Alexandra Theatre
- Bognor Regis Promenade (shingle) between Albert Road and Gloucester Road
- Blakes Road and Culver Road greensward area Felpham
- Littlehampton Promenade (shingle) between Beach Crescent and Hendon Avenue
Votes were then taken on the remaining proposed sites with both of the following being recommended for further investigation:
- Bognor Regis Promenade (rear of prom) between Gloucester Road
- Longbrook Park, Felpham
Also debated and voted on, the following four sites were discounted from any further consideration as sites for new beach huts:
- Overtand Avenue greensward, Rustington
- South Strand shingle beach, East Preston
- West Kingston shingle beach and greensward
- Ferring Rife to Sea Lane greensward, Ferring
Cllr Nash, Chair of the Economy Committee said:
“This meeting was an example of useful debate, cross-party respect and common sense. The decisions from the votes followed constructive discussion and some very valuable input from many members of the public who had submitted and asked questions during the meeting. To see so many residents in the Civic Centre showing their interest in decisions about their locality was incredibly welcome and positive.”