I fear I owe an apology to whoever it was that first mentioned to me a proposal for beach huts on the green at North Sands, as I suspect I dismissed it as absolute baloney – which, of course, it is except to some in Follaton House who seek to milk Salcombe for every last penny whatever the consequences.

The following are nine reasons why no more time or (our) money should be spent on the concept:

1. North Sands is in a Coast­al Preservation Area and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – neither compatible with beach huts.

2. The draft neighbourhood plan, supposedly endorsed by South Hams District Council, lists the grass area as a “local green space” – recreation, tranquillity, open area etc.

3. This open green space is essential to preserve, for the enjoyment of all, the undeveloped character and outstanding views of South Devon countryside both up and down North Sands Valley. Any development of it would, at a stroke, destroy the character and appeal of North Sands.

4. Beach huts traditionally face directly onto the sea. Huts on the grass area are akin to a caravan park. One can only hope this is not next on SHDC’s agenda.

5. The whole grass area is in constant use in the summer months by locals and visitors alike for a wide range of informal recreational and sporting activities, such as family football, cricket and rounders, kite and Frisbee flying, picnicking, children’s sports and beach events during the town regatta, not to mention simply relaxing in a chair and enjoying the peace and tranquility.

6. For about two hours either side of high water, North Sands beach is completely covered and unusable. It is during these four-hour periods – up to 50 per cent of each summer day – that the grass area provides North Sands a lifeline by enabling those denied the beach to enjoy a safe, open grass area, a matter of yards from the water.

7. SHDC has already demonstrated it struggles to manage its core services, such as maintenance, weed control and, we now read, safe public toilets. It simply does not possess the capacity to police problems associated with sub-letting, overnight occupation – with associated sanitary implicat­ions – and the maintenance of beach huts.

8. Where is the wisdom in a proposal to build beach huts on ground that regularly floods?? indeed, SHDC engineers designed it to flood at high water during periods of heavy rain.

9. I believe the Localism Act gives locals more than simply a weak voice to be ignored on issues that determine the character of their community. The town council has spoken: “Ludicrous.”

Anthony Croke

Cliff Road, Salcombe