Controversial plans for a block of new flats on the beach in Hythe have been rejected by council planners.

The proposals for an extra building on the Fisherman’s Beach development were turned down because of concerns it would have a “detrimental effect” on the area.

Shepway council’s planning officer threw out the plans on two grounds, saying it would have a negative impact on the listed former lifeboat station, access to the beach and the character of the surrounding area.

It marks a victory for fishermen campaigning against development plans and an ongoing rent review for the lease of the beach huts.

But they remain concerned about proposals for development elsewhere around the beach.

Plans were submitted earlier this month for a four-storey, four-flat building at the former Scout Hut in Range Road.

A spokesman for Hythe’s fishermen said the decision about the additional Fisherman’s Beach flats would only be “a hollow victory” unless they keep the pressure up.

He said: “What we’re concerned about is the pressure comes off and planning permission is granted on the Scout Hut and a new one is put in on the back of that.

“It’s not quite as close to the sea but the size of development they want to put on the Scout Hut is going to have an impact.”

The application on Fisherman’s Beach was for a three-storey building for two three-bedroom apartments and car parking spaces underneath.

It would form part of the development by Thanet-based company Kentish Projects, which is building 60 houses on the seafront.

Several objections were received on the plans including from Hythe Town Council, which said it opposed the loss of amenities to Griggs, over-intensification and proposals for parking in the road.

Another 81 objections were received from members of the public and one from the Fisherman’s Beach Association.

Residents opposed the development saying it would result in: reducing the open character of the area, over-development, flooding risk, parking pressures and a loss of land alongside the lifeboat station where fixed points are located for fishermen to anchor their boats to during bad weather.