A bid to “cram in” 20 more beach huts at Tankerton will lead to rising numbers of rats scurrying around the seafront, it is feared.

Existing hut owners have blasted Canterbury City Council’s proposal for a row of additional shelters at the popular spot off Marine Parade.

They are concerned building more of the structures will provide more “accommodation” for the rodents.

The owners are also worried the plans will result in an increase in nightmare parking and heighten the risk of fires spreading.

The cash-strapped city council wants to capitalize on the staycation market, which it says has “gone bonkers” during the coronavirus pandemic.

But critics fear the money-making scheme will lead to a downturn in quality for the owners who have held keys to the existing huts for decades.

Commenting on the proposals, Glyn Levis said: “Control of the rat population this summer was inadequate. They were appearing throughout the day running between huts, resulting in a potential increase in Weil’s disease, particularly unpleasant for children.

“More huts would provide more ‘accommodation’ for the animals exacerbating an already rising problem.”

Fears over increased parking woes on Marine Parade have also been highlighted, along with concerns regarding more litter at the beauty spot.

Hut owner Wendy Barham says the new-builds, which the council hopes to have complete by next summer, will “destroy the lovely, green open spaces” surrounding the current structures.

She said: “The council raised the licence fees significantly in the last few years but despite this we have found the extra money because we value the enjoyment that regular visits to the hut have given us; this application will irreparably damage that.

“It appears to be driven by financial gain with no consideration shown to existing hut owners and their families who have used and enjoyed these huts for many years.”

Meanwhile, Martyn Kemp said: “All the current owners made their purchases based on the space and views.

“A new row between rows two and three will be far too close to the existing huts.

“The valued views from row three, which were part of the purchase, will be obstructed by the new structures.

“The closeness will make it easier for the anti-social behaviour that has been reported lately, as the offenders will be able to hide and evade chase due to the closer proximity.

“In the event of a fire, the flames will easily jump from row to row due to the much closer spacing of these wooden structures.”

The council, however believes the new row of huts - which tend to sell for about £25,000 in Whitstable - will “go like hot cakes” and provide vital help in plugging its £9 million financial blackhole brought about by Covid.

It will determine its own application in the coming weeks, and the authority is not commenting on any criticisms beforehand.

Spokesman Leo Whitlock said: “It would be wrong to comment on a council planning application at this stage.

“All arguments, including objections, will be considered by the planning committee in an open and transparent way in due course.”

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