Milford on Sea beach hut plans go on show

A range of outline layouts and design ideas for new huts are being shown in Milford on Sea

New designs for replacing beach huts lost in the St Valentine's Day storm on the Hampshire coast in 2014 have gone on show to the public.

Many of the 119 privately-owned beach huts at Milford on Sea were destroyed by waves and high winds on 14 February, with the rest demolished later.

A range of design ideas for new huts have gone on show in the village.

New Forest District Council councillor Sophie Beeton said there had been "lively discussion" about the plans.

Ms Beeton, portfolio holder for environment, said: "We're determined that the design of the huts and the promenade will reflect the needs and wishes of local people and visitors to our coast."

Huts in Milford on Sea were among hundreds destroyed on the south coast in the St Valentine's Day storm

Milford on Sea was one of the areas worst hit by the storm. About 30 people had to be rescued from the seafront Marine Restaurant after the windows smashed and water poured in.

Of the beach huts that remained, many were deemed dangerous and were demolished.

Winchester-based Snug Architects was appointed to design and oversee the construction of 119 new beach huts, promising "a robust and durable solution that can withstand future storms and wave impacts".

The 119 beach huts will be built on the promenade at Milford on Sea

Outline plans are being shown in Milford on Sea Community Centre.

Snug's managing director Paul Bulkeley said: "It's an important opportunity for us to discuss the constraints on the project, from the challenging environmental conditions to the limitations of space and budget."

The £1.1m redevelopment received planning permission in March with beach hut owners due to make a "substantial contribution" towards their replacement huts and the council aiming to recoup the expenditure through licence fees.