THE views of the residents of Christchurch will kick-off a new plan to deal with the borough's coastline.

A report due to be discussed at Christchurch council's community committee today will hear the importance of community engagement in developing a new strategy for the coast.

It comes 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.

The project was canned after a high profile campaign to halt the council's scheme with TV production company Plum Pictures.

Now, with the current beaches plan set to expire next year, the council has put public engagement at the centre of their strategy.

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

The report says: "It is suggested that the development of such a strategy should begin with a community engagement event aimed at gathering the views of the Christchurch community about their aspirations for the coast."

Councillors want the public to be able to start with a "blank sheet of paper", allowing people to tell them exactly what they want to see.

The drop-in event will take place at Highcliffe Castle, and include information boards about the coastal management and limitations different sections have.

It is likely to take place at the beginning of September.

And businesses in Highcliffe will also be included, due to the economic links between the coast and town.

Further consultation will take place once a draft document has been produced.

People enjoying the seaside last weekend gave their opinions about what they wanted to see.

Ian Loveday, from Mudeford said: “The work to widen the promenade is needed. It would also be good to see more signage to warn cyclists to slow down and take caution when the beach is busy.”

Cliff Leach, who regularly visits Avon Beach from Salisbury, said: “It would great to have a boardwalk down the beach every couple of hundred yards for wheelchair users and people with pushchairs. It wouldn’t be expensive but would add a great deal for visitors.”

Gill Leach, also from Salisbury, said: “The facilities and parking here is good. Something that could be looked at is specific areas along the beaches for dogs. This would be good for people who have young children and are concerned about their safety.”

Chris Daniels, from Christchurch, said: “I think it is important that they don’t try and overbuild here, but there is space to have some more beach huts as long as they fit in with what is already here and do not dominate the view of the beach as you walk along the promenade.”

Patricia Smith, from New Milton, said: “I would really like to see something added down at the Highcliffe end of the beach, but it is difficult with the space there. The natural view as you look out from one side to the other is amazing.”

Merv Yeadon, from Southampton, said: “The beach here is fantastic and more relaxed compared to down in Bournemouth, but I’d like to see some facilities to hire out things like canoes to be able to go out on the water and enjoy the view even more.”