Hut scramble

If you've ever wanted to have a shack by the sea, now's your chance.​ Our Council have just finished putting up some new sheds, and have opened the bidding.

However, in what is fast becoming their signature style, everything has been left to the last minute, leaving the rest of the world very little time.

The notice went up on the Council website on 15th April 2013, with viewings on 20th April, and a closing date of 3rd May 2013.

These little huts go for thousands of pounds a time - this is not the kind of buying decision that most people would want to rush, and not many people will have a few grand burning a hole in their pockets, just waiting for an impulse purchase to come along.

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Get your beach hut bids in now

A sealed bidding process for people who want to buy one of 10 new beach huts in Herne Bay and Whitstable has now begun.

The new beach huts – six at Spa Esplanade in Herne Bay and four at Marine Crescent in Whitstable – have just been completed.

Bids must be submitted to the council’s Foreshore Services by Friday 3 May. Successful bidders will be informed shortly afterwards and it is anticipated keys will be handed over in time for the bank holiday weekend at the end of May.

The council will be holding beach hut viewings on Saturday 20 April between 10am and midday in Herne Bay and between 1pm and 3pm in Whitstable. Viewings can be booked by calling Foreshore Services on 01227 266719.

Head of Community Development and Outdoor Leisure, Suzi Wakeham, said:

“We have had lots of interest from prospective buyers over the last few months and they have all now been sent copies of the brochure giving full details of the process involved. It’s a chance to own a brand new beach hut in a sought after location.”

For more information about the huts, call Foreshore Services on 01227 266719 or go to the Foreshore pages on the council's website .

​CCC 15th Apr 2013

Council says beach hut demand is outstripping supply

City councillors have found 11 potential sites to build more beach huts on. A full report was being discussed by members of the Herne Bay area members panel on Tuesday and by Whitstable members last night (Wednesday). The council's ruling executive will discuss the comments on July 28.

Members of the Herne Bay Beach Hut Association, Tankerton Bay Beach Hut Association, Herne Bay Residents Association, Whitstable Society and Whitstable Harbour Board took part in the review of all sites from Seasalter to Reculver.

Thirty-one sites have been ruled out for expansion including land near Seasalter Sailing Club, central Tankerton Slopes, the green gap at Swalecliffe, Studd Hill in Herne Bay, Herne Bay's Central Parade and Bishopstone Glen to Reculver.

Community groups have been invited to comment on the report by July 4. It is available on the council website. Reculver councillor Gillian Reuby said:

"I have no problem with more beach huts in principle, but when it comes to Herne Bay we need to be very careful. I divide the town into three parts: the western part is beach huts and family areas; the middle is day-trippers and shoppers and is very lively; the eastern part is tranquil, undisturbed and for those looking for peace and quiet and nice walks."

The city council's head of community development and outdoor leisure, Suzi Wakeham, said:

"Demand for beach huts in Herne Bay and Whitstable is outstripping supply. Beach hut associations have waiting lists and huts sell quickly on the market. They are also good for the local economy and have an important role to play in the regeneration of Herne Bay."

The report is available at council offices in Herne Bay, Whitstable Improvement Trust and Whitstable library. Do we need more beach huts? Email newsdesk.times@KRNmedia.co.uk or leave a message on our Facebook site.

HB Times 17th Jun 2011