THE controversial project to build overnight beach huts at Highcliffe will not proceed, Christchurch council has confirmed.

Proposals to build the huts at Highcliffe, as part of a television show with the producers of George Clark’s Amazing Spaces, were scrapped after Plum Pictures withdrew last month.

The plans had attracted major opposition from residents, community leaders and Christchurch MP Chris Chope, with concerns over decision making and lack of consultation.

Although the company withdrew from the scheme, there were fears the council may forge ahead with the plans.

But in a letter to residents about the future of the project, leader of Christchurch council, Ray Nottage, said: “We as a council have recognised the concerns raised and listened to the residents who objected to the proposals and can confirm that the current project will not proceed.

“I have asked that the ward councillors, with officers, consult with residents and collectively identify potential projects to enhance and regenerate Highcliffe.

“Following the beach hut project we listened to the concerns raised and we are starting to explore ways to engage with the Highcliffe community and over the coming months you will be invited to comment on and help develop any suggestions which are put forward.”

Josephine Pollen, from campaign group, Friends of Highcliffe Beaches and Cliffs said: “This outcome reflects the wishes of many residents and visitors to Highcliffe.

“We trust we can now all enjoy our beautiful Highcliffe Beach and cliffs free from the invasion of beach huts.

“The tremendous support we have had from folk nationally, as well as locally, to the campaign to stop the building of beach retreats and huts has been truly amazing.

“The campaign also received regional TV, national and local press coverage, which highlighted the environmental importance people placed on the beautiful cliffs and undeveloped coastline in Highcliffe.”

An investigation by the council’s scrutiny committee into the decision-making surrounding the beach huts project continues.