Seaside beach hut plans approved

The huts are part of a £35 million scheme

Plans to develop a £2m luxury beach hut scheme in a Tyneside seaside resort have been approved.

Developer Beach Hut Resorts has been granted outline planning permission by North Tyneside Council for 21 huts at Northern Promenade in Whitley Bay.

It is part of a £35 million scheme to build similar resorts across the UK.

Each hut, which would be let for £300 to £400 a week, would sleep up to six guests and provide a fully-fitted kitchen, bathroom and lounge area.

'Colourful coastline'

Darren Baker, the development firm's managing director, said: "Whitley Bay is a shadow of its former self.

"It used to be a thriving seaside resort and we want to help bring people back into the town.

"The aim is to retain the character of the traditional beach hut but bring it up to date with 21st Century accommodation.

"They will hopefully bring something colourful and different to the coastline."

Short breaks

The company plans to create similar developments in up to 20 resorts from Scotland to England's South Coast.

Mr Baker said he hoped the scheme would encourage more people to holiday in the UK .

He said: "Over the past 20 years, cheaper overseas package holidays have caused a huge decline in demand for the domestic holiday and short breaks.

"The financial effect on coastal towns has simply been devastating."

Beach Hut Resorts is currently privately funded by three partners but Mr Baker said they would look to bring in outside investment as the project expands.