UNDER FIRE Christchurch councillors are investigating whether they can pull out of the controversial TV beach huts competition.

Thousands of people have signed a petition against the Highcliffe proposals, negotiated with production company Plum Pictures by the council without any public consultation.

Now the Daily Echo understands the council’s political leadership is to seek ways of either amending the agreement with the production company or could pull out altogether after seeking Counsel’s opinion.

There is also to be an immediate investigation into how the decision was made to enter an agreement with Plum Pictures to build the 12 beach retreats in the first place.

It was never discussed by the full council and discussions at other committees were taken in private.

The production company produces George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces.

Council chiefs have claimed the proposal doesn’t need planning consent but campaigners backed by local MP Chris Chope, say it does.

It’s understood that the investigation into the options will be carried out by council leader Ray Nottage, chair of resources, Cllr Trevor Watts and environment portfolio holder, Margaret Phipps.

Chief executive David McIntosh will look at the decision making process.

One of the concessions could be not making the huts suitable for overnight stays, something that has upset residents.

No toilet and shower facilities is also being considered.

And the designers would be given £1,000 instead of the agreed prize of four weeks stay a year for at least five years - which would no longer be possible if the huts were not for overnight use.

It is believed that total withdrawal would be a nuclear option because of the possible financial implications for the council and damage to its reputation.

Cllr Trevor Watts, chairman of the policy and resources committee confirmed an exempt paper was brought to the policy and resources committee last Wednesday.

He would not reveal what was in the confidential paper but said the contents would “become available in the future”.

The council has come under fire from Christchurch MP Chris Chope, who said despite assurances from the council and the leader that he would be kept updated, he had been told nothing about the committee meeting last week.

“In a way its good news that the council is for whatever reason pulling back”, he said.

“That shows that people power has had an impact.

“But there is still the failure to be open with people and that causes a lot of suspicion.”

A spokesperson for the campaign group, Friends of Highcliffe Beaches and Cliffs, said they had been hearing ‘rumours’ since the policy and resources committee last week.

A Natural England spokesperson said they were still considering the council’s application for consent.

“We recognise the strength of local public feeling around this issue. The ultimate decision as to whether this project goes ahead would be taken by Christchurch Borough Council.”