A REPORT on the failed Highcliffe beach hut scheme will not be available until February next year.

Following a special scrutiny meeting in October where members of the council and officers were questioned by the committee, the council has now said the report has been delayed.

It was supposed to come before the November 15 committee meeting.

David McIntosh, chief executive of Christchurch council said: "In order to allow for the report to be as comprehensive as possible it was decided by the chair of the task and finish group, Cllr Lesley Dedman, that further time would be allocated and the report to be taken to the following scrutiny meeting on February 1, 2017."

The scrutiny committee has been tasked with investigating the controversial TV beach retreats scheme at Highcliffe.

The contentious competition to build 12 beach huts at the cliffs, in association with Plum Pictures, was dropped by the production company following a strident campaign by residents.

At the committee last month, a number of discrepancies were uncovered during the question and answer session.

Head of community and leisure, Judith Plumley said production company Plum Pictures approached the council about the project, after filming at Mudeford Sandbank in 2015.

However, an email read out from Paula Carter, director of planning at Channel Four, states the council approached Plum Pictures about the scheme.

Council leader Ray Nottage was also booed by members of the public for not answering a number of questions from members.

And former councillor and chairman of Highcliffe Centre Partnership, Malcolm Mawbey also criticised the actions of the council, disputing a number of points raised.

During the meeting he said: “I didn’t think there was sufficient support to go ahead without consultation; it was asking for trouble.”

It was also revealed council members will not be allowed to see the terminated contract, which was signed by the chief executive.