A BEACH hut owner's attempts to save her seaside retreat from an eroding section of the coastline have been refused by the council.

The proposal from Katherine Rowland to move her hut at Hordle Cliff in Milford-on-Sea to a different section of the beach was refused by New Forest District Council's planning committee.

This decision comes just months after the local authority fenced off 20 wooden cabins due to health and safety fears.

A planning officer had recommended the scheme for refusal because of its proposed siting on green belt land, despite there already being around 20 beach huts in this area.

Miss Rowland intended to move her cabin into an alcove in the privately-owned section of coastline.

Milford-on-Sea Parish Council supported the application and stated it was important for the applicant to state her case.

Committee members decided to refuse the scheme but encouraged Miss Rowland to discuss alternative proposals with officers.