Beach hut strategy - Frequently asked questions

Following adoption of the Council’s revised Beach Hut Strategy, a number of changes have been agreed to how Beach Huts will be managed in future.  The following are a list of frequently asked questions, which should provide additional information about the strategy.

1. Why will Beach Hut agreements be changed from Licences to Leases?

Leases will offer additional security of tenure to Beach Hut owners, compared with the current licence agreements.  This change will protect Beach Hut owners’ investments when they are currently changing hands for significant values.  Licence agreements are personal and not transferrable, and can be altered or revoked by the council providing just 28 days’ notice.  

2. When will leases be implemented for Beach Hut owners?

From 1 April 2024.

3. What would be the cost of a lease?

The cost of a lease will not be valued or set until closer to 1 April 2024, so this cannot be answered at this time.  

As an indication however, independent advice from a property valuation expert suggests that the increase would be in the region of 10 percent higher than licence charges at the point of change.

The decision for the increase will be made by the Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Tourism.

4. What would be included in the terms and conditions of a new lease?

This will not be agreed until closer to the implementation date and the detailed lease terms will be agreed by the Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Tourism.

5. What would be the length of the lease?

The exact length of the lease is yet to be determined, but this will be for a term of less than 7 years.  This recognises the increased administration and costs to all parties on leases for longer than 7 years.

6. Why are Beach Hut agreements being limited to one per household?

Beach hut agreements will be limited to one per household, to ensure as many local residents as possible are able to access them.  The Council is considering whether a ‘buffer’ period can be implemented, to ensure anyone wishing to buy a new beach hut (e.g. for reasons of accessibility) are able to do so,  with a grace period to be determined to sell their existing hut.  

7. Why are commercial leases being introduced?

The Council will issue commercial agreements for those wishing to rent out Beach Huts for more than 10 days per year. It is important and appropriate to regulate the market for rentals.  Commercial agreements will be issued based on an application process and subject to meeting criteria.

8. What will be cost of a commercial lease be?

The cost of a commercial lease will be double the charge set for an applicant’s non-commercial lease (which varies depending upon the location of the hut and the resident status of the applicant).

9. How do I apply for a commercial lease?

Letters will be sent out shortly to Beach Hut Licence Holders, with information on how you can send an expression of interest for a commercial licence.

10. What should I do if I have an adaptation on my Beach Hut?

If you have any concerns, you should contact the Seafronts Team.  A review of the current Beach Hut design specification will be carried out over the coming months.  Following the outcome of that review, the Council will work with owners for the removal of those adaptations which fall outside of the revised specification.

Depending on the outcome of that review, the Council may consider a new set of fees and charges for any adaptations which are deemed appropriate.