October 11, 2019 3.50 pm This story is over 56 months old

County’s £500k plans for former Huttoft boat shed approved

A new beach attraction
An artist's impression of how the new cafe would look. Picture: Lincolnshire County Council

County council’s plans for a £490,000 attraction at Huttoft Car Terrace have been approved.

Lincolnshire County Council’s planning department gave the go ahead for its proposals for the boat garage on Sea Lane, which will serve the beach and “act as a stop off point” on the 16 mile Coastal footpath from Skegness to Mablethorpe.

It follows the opening of the Gibraltar Point Visitor Centre in Skegness, and the North Sea Observatory at Chapel St Leonards.

Portfolio holder for economy councillor Colin Davie told Local Democracy Reporter Daniel Jaines: “After the huge success of the North Sea Observatory I’m looking forward enormously to this wonderful new facility at Huttoft Car Terrace.

An artist’s impression of how the new cafe would look. Picture: Lincolnshire County Council

“The fact we have now received planning permission means we can progress as we work towards getting this facility open in 2020 in time for peak summer season.”

As part of the plans the council will replace the existing boat shed with a completely new building containing a cafe, a rooftop viewing deck and an external ground level deck.

Nearby public toilets are also set to be refurbished as part of the project.

Approving the plans, council officers said: “Huttoft beach continues to be a popular tourist destination throughout the year. At peak times a considerable number of tourists and cars visit the area which supports local businesses and amenities.

The nearby Huttoft Car Terrace. Photo: Google Street View

“Currently the only facilities available to visitors are the toilet facilities and so the new cafe would improve the facilities available and the overall visitor experience for tourists.”

The new build, which will feature floor-to-ceiling windows facing inland and north, is planned to be let to a commercial enterprise who will take over responsibility for the maintenance of the building and the toilets.

A breakdown of costs outlines the project needing £10,000 of revenue and £480,000 of capital funding.

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