INSPECTOR THROWS OUT BEACH APPEAL

Beach owner Steve Hall wanted to put up 28 wooden beach huts, toilet huts, lifeguard huts, and set out car parking, information signs, waste bins, dog waste bins and wooden sleepers on the beach to prevent vehicles driving onto the shingle.

These were to be temporary and put up during spring and summer months only.

Having been refused planning permission by Rother District Council in March, Mr Hall appealed to the Planning Inspectorate, represented by John Head.

Some 80 people packed into the Town Hall chamber on October 10 for the hearing when every aspect of the planned development and its possible impact on the immediate environment was examined.

There was then a seven-week wait until the decision was made by Mr Head on December 1 to dismiss the appeal.

The inspector felt that the beach had “much of the informal character of undeveloped coastline” which should be protected under the Local Plan Policy.

wHe added: “Stretches of undeveloped coast, close to built-up areas and with easy access to the beach, are a limited resource and much of the attraction of the appeal site depends on the relative absence of any development there compared to the coastline within the urban area of Bexhill.”

He claimed the benefits of the plan, such as beach management and clearing rubbish which contribute to its unspoilt appearance, were outweighed by the addition of beach huts and other development including sleeper walling and log barriers, which would be noticeable in long distance views of the bay.

Mr Head decided Mr Hall’s proposal would be “harmful” to the informal character and appearance of the locality and concluded that it was “unacceptable.”

His decision comes after months of local debate and protest by the newly-formed Herbrand Walk Beach Preservation Society, which has more than 600 members. Chairman John Hodson described it as a “fantastic result”.

He added: “We are delighted that the common view has ultimately prevailed.”

• For Mr Hodson’s full statement, see letters on page six