A LARGE beach hut development is being proposed to the east of the main beach at Swanage.

If approved the scheme could help stabilise cliffs to the rear of Burlington Road.

Between 36 and 42 huts, in three tiers, are being discussed. They will step back into the cliff, similar to other hut developments in the area.

An outline application for 30 huts on the same site was given in 2014 but never built.

The site is between two areas of cliff that have previously been developed – the site to the south with three tiers of hits and the site to the north by cliff stabilisation works, pending the construction of another three tiers of huts.

Bournemouth Echo: Swanage beach hut development - View of the area from the other side of the Bay

The site immediately to the north, cliff stabilisation works close to the The Pines Hotel, was carried out in 2015-16, with a planning consent later granted in 2018 for 40 huts over three tiers with communal toilets and stairways to the clifftop.

The cliff stabilisation works were required following the collapse of a significant part of the cliff during a large storm.

Papers submitted to Dorset Council by Swanage-based Blue Town Planning, say the Burlington Road proposals would benefit the area: “The cliff face at this point has slumped and presents a continued safety risk to both walkers along the promenade, and the residential properties on Burlington Road.

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“In terms of landscape and visual impact, the development simply infills within the developed cliff area. It does not compromise the transition from the built environment of Swanage to the more naturalistic coastal environment, that is experienced further to the north….

“The proposal will provide beach huts which are typical for this area of Swanage and enhance the vitality and vibrancy of the character of the seaside area. Furthermore, the work will stabilise the cliff and play an important part in the long-term management of the coastline in this immediate location.”

The site is within the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), and Heritage Coast. It is also designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its biological and geological interest.