Beach huts at Findhorn approved

Plans to build a row of colourful beach huts on a stretch of shoreline at Findhorn were approved by councillors on a split vote today.

Moray Council planning officers had recommended refusal of the application by 1 Architects Ltd on the grounds that the 30 huts would detract from the amenity of the beach and from the unspoilt open character of the area.

They were supported by 175 letters of objection, mainly from people living in the Findhorn and Forres areas. Findhorn and Kinloss Community Council was also among the objectors.

However, there was no opposition to the proposal from either Scottish Natural Heritage or the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, while the council’s own development plans section also raised no objection and said the beach huts could significantly enhance Findhorn as a tourist destination.

Members of the council’s planning and regulatory services committee approved the plans by eight votes to six.

Each of the huts will have an internal footprint of 2 metres by 2.5 metres and will have only one door and no windows. They will be finished in various external colours and will have no water supply or electricity.

The huts will stand on timber piles to minimise the risk of flooding from unusually high tides.