THE CONSULTATIONS for the redevelopment of Christchurch's coastline are said to have gone "very well".

The consultations with the public took place on June 6, 8 and 11 to get the views of the public on what should be done with the coastline.

The current beaches plan is set to expire next year and the council has decided to put public engagement at the centre of their strategy in their next plan.

Councillors decided to have the consolations as they want the public to be able tell them exactly what they want to see done with the coastline.

The new plan will cover from Mudeford Quay to Chewton Bunny and include Gundimore, Avon Beach, Friars Cliff, Highcliffe Castle and Highcliffe beach.

These come just months after the council were heavily criticised for their lack of consultation over plans to build overnight beach huts on the cliff side at Highcliffe.

Dorset Coastal Connections Project Co-ordinator Natalie Poulter said that the consultations went "very well".

She said: "We spoke to a lot of people, I think we spoke to about 230 people over the three days, which we thought was really good.

"It was really nice to see the level of enthusiasm for the beach and the level of passion for the character of the beach and we'll be taking all of that forward. We've sent that back to Christchurch Borough Council who will be incorporating that in their planning application.

"I'm confident that the team will incorporate as many of the suggestions as they can."

The planning application is due to be submitted on June 23. The council are aiming to complete the revamp by Christmas, meaning the work will need to start in October.

The plan will need to be put to the planning committee at their September meeting in order to be ready in that timeframe, which is why it is being submitted so soon after the consultations.

The Highcliffe Residents Association meets on Monday, where residents will give feedback on how they felt the consultations went for them.