Barton beach toilet replacement plan in pipeline after U-turn on bid to flush it away

PLANS to replace the public toilets at Barton beach have been submitted nearly two years after they were saved from being flushed away altogether.

New Forest District Council has applied to itself for permission to demolish the existing run-down facility on the undercliff, south of Marine Drive East, and build a modern, slightly larger, block in its place.

Conceived as a series of traditional beach huts with front gables to be in keeping with the location, it would utilise timber-effect weatherboard cladding, solar panels and stainless steel doors.

It would house three WCs, one disabled WC/baby change and an enhanced disabled WC/family room, complimented by a water bottle filling station and external shower.

The location is within the greenbelt and is a site of special scientific interest (SSSI).

The design and access statement noted the existing facilities were “in a poor state of repair and not befitting of their location by the coast”.

It pointed out the pre-made portacabin unit had been installed in 2009 for temporary use and the Covid-19 pandemic paused plans to replace it in 2020.

“The fabric of the building itself has been inundated with sea water and harsh winter storms over the years,” the statement said.

“With the deterioration of the structural aspects of the building increasing, it is now no longer sensible or viable to try and improve the building.

“There is a need to replace the existing building with one that is much more befitting of its use at this popular and scenic coastal location.”

As reported in the A&T, public outcry, including a 2,700-name petition, led NFDC to U-turn in March 2021 on a previous decision to demolish the block. It had been closed at the start of the first lockdown and then deemed “unviable”.

The same U-turn was made for toilets at Calshot beach after a 4,000-name petition, and NFDC vowed to invest £9,000 in improving both blocks.

The public consultation on Barton’s toilets expires on Friday 6th January 2023, with NFDC’s decision due by 1st February.