Oyster trestles on Whitstable beach have increased almost 10-fold in six years, according to information published by Whitstable Oyster Company.

The figures have been disclosed in an application the firm has made for a certificate of lawfulness for its controversial oyster racks.

Company boss James Green supplied an official estimate of the number of trestles that have been on Whitstable beach since 2010 - revealing a rise from about 250 to approximately 2,400 in 2016.

The company added between 250 and 650 trestles to the land each year from 2010 until 2016, the estimates show.

Canterbury City Council asked the company to apply for planning permission or a lawful development certificate, following an independent investigation into the safety of the trestles.

In the application, Mr Green defended the rapid growth in numbers.

“The scale of production has increased gradually over time so as to achieve a level of production that is sustainable,” he said.

“For reasons unbeknown to me, operations which have been carried out on the company’s private land for more than 10 years without incident, and which generate environmental, economic and tourism benefits for the area, are now being threatened with enforcement action from the Local Planning Authority.”

But the metal racks - which are submerged by the sea at high tide - have previously come under fire for being “dangerous” to water users.

Cllr Ashley Clark is among those who have expressed concerns that they “could trap an unsuspecting capsized sailor, windsurfer or kayaker by their clothing under the water with grave consequences”.

Members of the public can submit comments on the application until May 11, through the council’s planning website.

One local resident - listed as Mr Southgate - has so far commented.

“Not only are the racks an eyesore, they also restrict navigation on the sea,” he said. “I do not understand how this can be legal.

“No amount of markers or buoys will stop a water user accidentally finding themselves in that area, if for example they have an equipment failure or the weather conditions quickly change.

“The quantity of racks has also steadily been increasing each year. Presumably this will continue unchallenged and unregulated if planning permission does not have to be applied for.”

Mr Green said it is the first time in England an oyster farm has been asked to submit such an application

He said: “This is an issue that has only arisen since the end of last year.

“The company had been given advice by the council planning department when we first started to use this type of trestle [in 2009] that they did not constitute development and so did not require planning.”

He added: “It is vital that Whitstable stays at its heart a working commercial town, both for the residents and the visitors.

“The Oyster Company will continue to defend its right to grow oysters on its world-famous oyster beds so that Whitstable can continue to be famous for this most sustainable of shellfish.”

A lawful development certificate would apply to all oyster trestles “substantially completed” more than four years ago.

Planning permission is required for any built after that time, and for any future trestles.

Council spokesman Rob Davies said: “We will now assess the evidence submitted, and anticipate deciding the application once we have completed our assessment.”