Council Reduces Price of New Beach Huts Amidst Criticism of Cost and Location
In an effort to boost sales, a financially constrained council has significantly reduced the price of a row of newly constructed beach huts. This decision comes after the installation of 30 traditional chalets on the East Cliff Promenade in Herne Bay by the Canterbury City Council, which were initially marketed for sale at £30,000 each.
The council anticipated a high demand for these huts when they became available in 2022. However, by August 2024, only eight had been sold, with many buyers expressing dissatisfaction over the huts' location, which is considered too far from the town's seafront amenities. Former councillor Andrew Cook echoed this sentiment, stating that the huts were 'too expensive for the location'.
In contrast, 10 beach huts built further along the coast in Western Esplanade in 2022 were quickly sold within weeks. The slow sales of the new huts have now led to a price reduction of a third, from £30,000 to £19,500, and a decrease in annual site fees from £1,045 to £899.06. The council reports that only 12 remain unsold, and they anticipate that a new marketing campaign will further enhance sales.
Spokesman Rob Davies claims the project has been profitable for local taxpayers, with a significant profit realized from the council's initial £222,667 investment. He attributes the success to steady sales and positive feedback from buyers, particularly regarding the quiet location. As the beach hut season approaches, the council has sent out revised marketing materials with the reduced prices.
Despite the price cuts, the council faces a budget gap for the upcoming financial year, prompting a proposed 2.97% council tax hike and increased parking charges to balance the books. Meanwhile, Whitstable, along the coast, is experiencing a surplus of beach huts for sale, especially along the Tankerton Slopes, with 13 private-owned huts available on the market, priced between £27,000 and £60,000.
Marilyn Richards, the secretary of the Tankerton Bay Beach Hut Owners Association, attributes the high number of available huts to a surge in demand post-Covid, followed by changes in personal circumstances and financial situations. She suggests that the huts may be sold to free up funds for family home improvements or other significant purchases.
