Selsey beachfront land put up for auction with potential for beach huts and chalets

The freehold parcel, measuring approximately 2,704 square metres, is being offered as Lot 95 by Palace Auctions London.

But Chichester District Council has stressed that no planning application has been submitted for the site, and said its Local Plan and Selsey East Beach Regeneration Masterplan should not be interpreted as giving planning support for development on the specific parcel.

The freehold parcel is due to go under the hammer at Claridge's in Mayfair and online on Wednesday, August 12, at 1pm.

A spokesperson for the district council said: “The council has not received any planning application for beach huts, chalets or other development on this site and, as with any land transaction, the sale of the land is a matter for the landowner and auctioneer.

“The council cannot comment on the planning merits of any future proposal that has not been formally submitted. Any development would need to be assessed through the appropriate planning process and determined against the development plan and all other material planning considerations.

“Depending on the nature of any proposal, matters which may require consideration include flood risk, coastal change and erosion, biodiversity and environmental impacts, access, infrastructure requirements, and the relationship with existing and proposed coastal defence arrangements. These and any other relevant constraints would need to be assessed as part of any future planning application.

“The council's Local Plan and the Selsey East Beach Regeneration Masterplan contain broader policies and aspirations relating to the enhancement and regeneration of the seafront and visitor economy. However, neither document should be interpreted as granting planning support for development on any specific parcel of land.”

The statement from the local authority come after concerns were raised by residents, over the prospect of beach huts or chalets being developed on the site.

The auction listing describes the land as a ‘rare and exciting opportunity’ to acquire a ‘substantial freehold parcel of beachfront land’ in Selsey, with direct access to the coast and panoramic sea views.

It claims the site has ‘significant planning potential for beach huts or chalets’, although it states that any development would be subject to planning consent.

Gavin Roriston, who lives in Lifeboat Way, said he and other residents were surprised to discover the land was being offered for sale.

He said a neighbour had initially been contacted by the original owner, who had apparently seen the opportunity to buy the parcel of land advertised online.

Mr Roriston said residents subsequently realised that the sale involved a ‘swathe of quite a long swathe of beach’, running alongside the sea wall, from the area around the former lifeboat house towards Lifeboat Way.

He said: “This was clearly a sale of that beach land, and the offer was that it had potential for beach huts on it.”

Mr Roriston’s son contacted the auctioneer, while further research was carried out by neighbours.

They also contacted Selsey Town Council, which he said was initially unaware of the proposed sale.

Mr Roriston said the council subsequently assured him that the land could not be developed for beach huts.

He said: “The feeling is now, as far as we're concerned, and the threat of having beach huts in front of our property is just not going to happen as far as the town council is concerned.”

Selsey Town Council has since clarified that it is not the principal planning authority for the foreshore.

A spokesperson said: “The foreshores referred to in your enquiry are overseen by Chichester District Council, which is the principal planning authority and decision-maker. Any questions relating to the site, planning matters, development potential or site constraints should therefore be directed to Chichester District Council.

“Selsey Town Council's involvement was limited to facilitating communication between the auction house and Coastal Partners in light of the ongoing consultations relating to coastal erosion. As the foreshores are overseen by Chichester District Council, all enquiries regarding the site should be directed to its Estates Team.”

The auctioneers were advised that any potential buyer must be aware of constraints affecting the site, including environmental regulations and planned coastal protection works.

The land has been subject to plans for further investment in the coastal path, and measures to strengthen the beach in relation to flooding and coastal erosion.

Chichester District Council said such issues could form part of the assessment of any future planning application, alongside matters including biodiversity, environmental impacts, access and infrastructure.

Mr Roriston said he believed local people would have concerns about any beach hut development, because of the lack of nearby amenities and parking.

He also said residents valued the area as a natural beach.

The auction listing describes the parcel as being suitable for a ‘range of leisure, amenity, or investment uses’, and highlights its direct access to the beach, uninterrupted sea views and location on the West Sussex coast.

It says freehold coastal land of this size and quality is ‘rarely available’, particularly at the guide price of £20,000.

The listing claims the site's size and location make it suitable for a ‘well-thought-out scheme’, which could add value and appeal to the local area.

It also highlights what it describes as established precedents for beach hut and chalet developments along the West Sussex coast, including at East Wittering and Bracklesham Bay.

The auctioneer says Selsey is a popular seaside town with ‘some of the highest sunshine hours in the UK’, and a ‘thriving seasonal tourism economy’.

It claims the land has ‘broad appeal’ for holiday home buyers, retirees, leisure investors and families seeking a coastal escape.

Mr Roriston said the issue had emerged quickly among residents, with concerns raised early in the morning before the matter was, in his view, resolved to their satisfaction later that day.

The auction listing describes the sale as a chance to ‘secure a prime piece of Selsey's iconic coastline’ for leisure, amenity or investment use.

The parcel is due to go under the hammer as Lot 95, with a guide price of £20,000.