3 days ago
Beach hut owner is embroiled in bitter row with neighbours after 'spoiling popular seafront' with 'ugly' walled fence
A Punch and Judy beach hut owner is at war with locals after she installed an 'invasive' walled fence in front of her shed which they have branded as a 'blot on the landscape'.
The structure has been branded as 'extremely ugly' by enraged locals who feel the the new balustrades - which you can't see through - are a 'selfish construction'.
'Horrified' hut owners said the work carried out by Sophie Jarman is not in keeping with other wooden sheds on Hordle Cliffs beach in Milford on Sea, Hampshire, as it overshadows nearby properties and creates a 'dark, imposing landscape'.
Ms Jarman carried out the work after she purchased the brightly coloured red and yellow striped beach hut, which was sold for over £30,000.
The businesswoman has since lodged a retrospective planning application and stated she was 'unaware' she needed to seek permission to replace the decking and balustrades - which are plain wood and not painted like the surrounding structures.
Hordle Cliffs is well known for its colourful huts. Now locals are urging the council to reject the proposal for fear it will 'set a precedent' that other hut owners can copy.
Ms Jarman lodged the application in March of this year, seeking approval to replace the rotten decking boards and balustrades, and install wooden steps.
The hut owner wrote in her application she was 'unaware' that she would need permission to replace the rotten decking.
She said: 'The work has been carried out already as we misunderstood the requirement to submit an application.
'The decking has been replaced with similar materials, in line with neighbouring huts.
'The balustrade similarly has been extended to the length of the decking as in neighbouring huts.
'We will paint the hut in a more becoming shade as soon as the weather permits.'
According to locals, for years the wooden shed was affectionately referred to as the 'Punch and Judy hut' due to its colourful exterior, which resembles a puppet show.
Graham Baker and his wife wrote on the planning portal that since the work the hut can only be described as a 'blot on the landscape'.
The couple said: 'The massive enclosed decking area and new close boarding overshadows the neighbouring huts, who once enjoyed unbroken views along the shoreline, whilst sat enjoying their own huts.
'No number of changes, such as painting the structure, will change the fact that it is not in keeping with the surrounding huts which have for many years, essentially remained unchanged and preserved the character of a bygone age, which for many visitors is one of the attractions of Hordle Cliffs beach.'
Ms Jarman has lodged a retrospective planning application and stated she was 'unaware' she needed to seek permission to replace the decking and balustrades
Ms Jarman, who runs a cookery school and catering company, carried out the work on the hut in November last year.
Lymington resident Keith Charles said the new side walls outside the hut look 'extremely ugly'.
Mr Charles said: 'If this application is approved it sets a precedent and all the other hut owners will be able to erect similarly ugly-looking sides to their decks which will [be] awful.
'The side walls also make the hut 'unfriendly' and unwelcoming to people walking past which is totally out of keeping with the ambience presented by all the other huts at Hordle Cliff.'
He added that the unapproved extension goes against the rules afforded to hut owners.
Lymington local and hut owner Sarah Bunce objected to the application and said the panels look 'out of place' and 'restrict the view' of those who own the wooden sheds nearby.
Mrs Bunce said: 'If everyone put such panels up around their hut the nature of the huts would change and the beach huts would loose their attractive appearance.'
Richard Arthurs, who also lives in Lymington, objected and said the decking structure is 'totally out of keeping' and creates a 'dark, imposing landscape'.
Mr Arthurs wrote: 'This is a very selfish construction by people who do not understand the open feel of our beautiful beach, no doubt their house has a high wall and gates with 'keep out' signs and barbed wire!
'Please do not allow this solid wall structure to remain, everyone hates it and is horrified!'
Lymington resident Dawn Bampton said the hut 'spoils' the view along the beach and is 'completely out of keeping'.
The average cost of a beach hut at Hordle Cliff can range from £29,000 to £75,000.
Ms Jarman's hut was advertised as promising 'stunning views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight, the Needles and Christchurch Bay'.
It was said to be in a 'particularly sought after position' on the beach and offers 'superb views'.
New Forest District Council are yet to make a decision on the application.
