CONFUSION has been caused over whether Christchurch council is applying to turn the controversial TV beach retreats into day huts.

Campaigners say they were told by Christchurch MP Chris Chope that the council had made a fresh application to Natural England last week.

He is understood to have been told this information by council leader Ray Nottage last week.

It came after the Daily Echo revealed the council was trying to amend its agreement with production company Plum Pictures or pull out altogether.

One of the concessions of the agreement was to make huts suitable for daytime use only.

But Christchurch council says no application has been made to Natural England and no decision has been made.

Judith Plumley, head of community and leisure at Christchurch council, said: “There has been no new submission to Natural England for day huts but a new submission would be required should the proposal for day huts be pursued.”

The council has refused to comment publicly on its latest move.

All decisions over the scheme have been taken in private and without public consultation.

The latest discussion at the policy and resources committee was held to the exclusion of the press and public.

Josephine Pollen from the Friends of Highcliffe Beaches and Cliffs said: “Once again we are being given conflicting information by Christchurch council regarding whether a revised application for day beach huts has been sent to Natural England.

“FOHBAC would like to make it clear that our campaign will continue until we know that the plans have been shelved for good in their entirety.”

Natural England confirmed it had not received a second application from Christchurch council.

The council has come under fire from Mr Chope and campaigners for its lack of public consultation and information over the beach huts.

The scheme has also been opposed by members of Christchurch Citizens Association.