CONCERNS over cliff stability at some of Poole’s beaches have forced the council to rethink its seafront improvement scheme.

Borough of Poole had planned to build 178 new huts, refurbish 131 and rebuild eight beach huts across the borough’s beaches.

However, due to concerns with cliff stability at Canford Cliffs, a revised scheme has been put forward which will see 145 new huts built, 147 rebuilt and 28 revamped.

The revised scheme will cost a further £1.79million – a figure which was recommended for approval by cabinet at a meeting last night.

It is in addition to the £3.62million which was agreed by the Borough of Poole in July last year.

The new scheme includes the demolition of the existing beach huts at Canford Cliffs to allow the council to address some of the structural concerns and carry out cliff repair work.

The problems arose following a landslip at Bournemouth’s East Cliff in April which prompted Borough of Poole to carry out its own assessment of seafront cliffs.

A report to cabinet revealed that the assessment at Canford Cliffs “did identify some areas showing visual signs of weathering or movement which will continue to be monitored”.

The investigation also found the retaining wall behind the huts had "bowed and cracked in some areas”.

The ground underneath had also "suffered serious erosion over the years, creating underground voids which compromise the integrity of the foundations".

As a result the original proposals to add a second floor to the current huts at the site have been dropped in favour of replacing them with new two-storey structures and piled foundations.

A new cafe and toilets are also planned.

The report added: "Should the current huts be demolished, it would provide the council with the ideal opportunity to address these issues, which would otherwise be significantly more complicated and expensive to resolve."

Six new huts have already been constructed in Sandbanks. Four are set to be built at Flaghead, 94 at Canford Cliff West, 37 at Canford Cliff East and four at Branksome Dene.

Cllr John Rampton, portfolio holder for the environment and beaches, said: "Our Blue Flag beaches are a fantastic asset and it is vital that we invest to ensure they remain a great place for residents and visitors to Poole.

"As well as providing a number of new and different types of beach huts, the current proposal would see this project provide a new cafe, refurbished toilets as well as a new DDA compliant toilet and improved public realm.”

The plans will go before full council on 15 November and if approved work at Canford Cliffs would start in September next year.