Rockwater Beach Huts Allowed to Stay Six Months Brighton News

Kiosks, much like large beach huts, were set up during the coronavirus pandemic, while construction work was carried out on the main building.

Independent Councilor Tony Janio asked why there had been no advance planning request for the huts at a Brighton and Hove City Council planning committee meeting on Wednesday.

He feared that companies that had set up temporary structures because of Covid-19 would be forced to submit a wave of planning requests.

Green Councilor Sue Shanks was concerned about the increase in footfall and the lack of an elevator in the new building.

She said: “I thought the assumption was that once the development was done, they would take them out.

“They aren’t quite finished yet. Is there a way to tie this permission to the application of what we have already agreed, that they should have a lift? ”

Rockater said structural issues made initial plans for an elevator to the main building’s rooftop terrace unsustainable. Investigations are underway to find another way to provide a lift.

Rockwater beach huts have been allowed to remain open

Council planning director Nicola Hurley said the council is discussing with Rockwater the completion of the program, but the requests are separate issues.

Conservative councilor Carol Theobald said the huts had been useful and hosted them for another six months.

She said: “During the lockdown it was great going there for coffee. The only thing is that there are sometimes crowds waiting for their refreshment and that can restrict the pedestrian path a bit. Maybe that should be controlled a bit more.

Union Counselor Nick Childs said: “The changes to this building and these beach huts have really added value to the area.

“I think they brought prosperity and really made it better in terms of amenity and getting people to that part of the waterfront in Hove.”

Independent advisor Bridget Fishleigh called for a condition to ensure that a queuing system is in place for clients, which the committee supported.

Rockwater agent Luke Carter, director of Lewis and Co Planning, said: “We are delighted to have secured new temporary consent for these beach hut kiosks which have proven to be an extremely popular addition to the plaza. Hove.

“The entire Rockwater team is looking forward to their first summer with Shacks by the Shore, restaurant, bar, rooftop patio and beach patio all fully operational.

In January, the planning committee went against the official advice and granted a building permit for a glass roof extension on the building.

The kiosks also have a permanent liquor license.