PLANS to build up to 178 new beach huts along Poole's seafront have been approved by Borough of Poole.

Proposals to invest £3.6million to provide new huts and refurbish a further 131 will help meet the demand from residents and generate around £206,000 a year to support the council's budget.

The council hopes they will be in place by July 2017, subject to public consultation and planning permission.

"There is a huge demand with many residents waiting 10 to 15 years and some facing a wait of up to 20 years for a beach hut at a prime location on Poole's seafront," said Cllr Xena Dion, cabinet portfolio holder for culture and leisure.

"The new huts will allow us to meet some of that demand and generate income that will help the Council meet the long-term financial challenge it faces as the Government continues to reduce the central funding it provides for local services."

Councillors also approved proposals to invest £1.5m in the installation of solar panels on a number of public buildings in Poole.

Under the proposals the council will seek to borrow up to £1.5m to install solar panels on leisure centres, some libraries and other council buildings, with the aim of saving between £76,000 and £166,000 a year.