Cornwall Council is removing 22 beach huts from near Par Sands beach after they failed to generate any rental income since their construction in 2018. The project, which reportedly cost taxpayers £125,000, has been criticized as a "big disappointment" and a waste of public money.
The timber structures were built in 2018 and have never been rented out, accumulating no revenue in the eight years since their installation. The council cited an inability to find a suitable manager for the huts as the reason for their removal. The huts are currently undergoing refurbishment and will be relocated to other council-owned sites.
Local Reform UK councillor Ian Wilson expressed dismay at the outcome. He stated that significant effort was made to bring the huts into use and that £125,000 of taxpayer money had been wasted. Wilson claimed he personally offered to manage the huts for free, covering public liability insurance, and had plans to establish a beach-style marketplace for local artisans. However, he reported being unable to overcome the council's internal bureaucracy.
Residents have also voiced frustration on social media, questioning why the huts sat empty for so long when they could have been rented out to generate income. Suggestions included placing them directly on the beach for rent.
According to a Freedom of Information Act request submitted in 2024, the total cost of the project at that time was £124,567. The response also indicated that the huts had not been let out and had provided no revenue. The smaller huts were previously listed for an annual fee of £900, with larger ones at £1,100, though current rental costs are unknown.
The council stated that the first year the huts were operational, 2020, was impacted by COVID-19 lockdowns. Since then, Cornwall Council has conducted three open tender rounds to secure a managing tenant, with the latest in spring 2024. Another tender round is planned before the 2025 season. The council is reportedly working with the Par Beach Management Group to explore future uses for the space, potentially including picnic tables and seating.