Agenda item

To consider the options for the replacement beach huts on the promenade at Milford on Sea and to agree what will go forward to the detailed design stage.

RESOLVED:

That the following options be taken forward as the preferred option for the design of the 119 replacement Beach Huts at Milford on Sea and that the design team progress this option through to detailed design, planning application submission and tender construction stage:

·        Inhabited roof enabling the lower promenade to be widened

·        Concrete Frontages to all of the huts

·        Layout C no huts situated at the eastern end of the lower promenade

·        A curved access ramp at the western end of  the promenade

Cllr Beeton disclosed a non-pecuniary interest as a member of Milford on Sea Parish Council which had commented on this matter.  She concluded that there were no grounds under common law to prevent her from remaining in the meeting to speak and to vote.

The Cabinet was addressed by Mr Holdsworth of the New Forest Beach Hut Owners’ Association; Mrs Frost, Mrs Preston, Mr Gibbons and Parish Cllr Bishop of Milford on Sea Parish Council

Members were advised that the consultants engaged to progress the replacement of the beach huts at Milford on Sea had developed a number of alternatives on 4 key design areas.  These had been subject to extensive consultation through the Council’s website and a public engagement event at Milford Community Centre on 14 August, which had been very well attended.  In all 355 questionnaire responses had been received to the consultation exercise.  These had been analysed, together with other factors, such as the environmental pressures that applied in this sensitive area, and considered by the Beach Hut Board.

The Board recommended that the huts should be placed at the western end of the promenade where the vulnerability to damage from the sea was less, while also opening opportunities for improved public access; that the huts should be constructed to allow the public to walk along the roof area; allowing the huts to be placed further back, widening the lower promenade; and that the huts should have concrete frontages and coloured doors.  In addition the access ramp at the western end of the promenade should curve around the pill box.  The projected cost, at £1,332,000, represented an increase of £73,000 against the original estimate.

The Cabinet noted the comments made during the public participation period and advised that a number of the technical concerns that were being raised, for example relating to ventilation and access for people with disabilities, would be addressed as the project progressed towards the submission of the planning application.  The decision before members at this stage sought to define the broad approach to be taken in developing the proposal further.  It was acknowledged that there were indeed equality and disability implications that would need to be taken into account as part of that process.  The beach hut owners group also asked that the terms of the site licence for these huts should be reviewed.

The Cabinet was satisfied that the Beach Hut Board’s recommendation achieved the correct balance between the competing aspirations and needs of the beach hut licence holders, local residents, visitors to the area and council taxpayers.  They noted that Milford on Sea Parish Council concurred with that view.

RESOLVED:

That the following options be taken forward as the preferred option for the design of the 119 replacement Beach Huts at Milford on Sea and that the design team progress this option through to detailed design, planning application submission and tender construction stage:

·       Inhabited roof enabling the lower promenade to be widened

·       Concrete frontages to all of the huts

·       Layout C no huts situated at the eastern end of the lower promenade

·       A curved access ramp at the western end of  the promenade