RESIDENTS of a block of flats in Westbourne, who have access to their own private beach huts, are asking for permission to replace them.

The residents of Branksome Towers have applied to the council to build 24 new huts on the private land, as the old ones are becoming tired and worn.

A statement to Borough of Poole's planning department said: "The existing huts are timber framed and clad and this combined with their age has made them an easy target for break-ins which is frustrating for owners."

Arranged in terraced rows of five huts, the statement says the new structures would be in-keeping with the improvements along the seafront being carried out by the council.

Access to the huts is not open to the public.

The designs have been approved by beach huts owners at an AGM, and will "provide a lighter look than the existing huts in-line with traditional beach hut design and in harmony with the huts on adjacent sites along the beach-front."

The colours will be "subdued", the statement adds.

"They will not alter or impinge on any existing views and will vastly improve the look of the site from its current state."