STORM clouds are gathering over a popular South Devon seafront after beach hut owners were told they won’t be able to use their huts at all next year.

Owners of huts at Preston Sands near Paignton have been told there won’t be any huts on the prom in 2026 as work on a new flood defence scheme is carried out.

Now they want to know why they are only just finding out now, weeks before their huts are due to be taken away for winter storage.

And they say they were promised next year’s work would be carried out with ‘minimised’ disruption.

The angry ‘hutters’ say they have been kept in the dark about the plans.

Jennie Davies, who has chaired the Beach Hut User Group for seven years, said the group had built good relationships with the local council, and understood the need for the new flood defences.

But, she said: “The communication has been shocking. Why were people not told when the beach huts went out in March?”

Torbay councillor Darren Cowell (Ind, Shiphay) has taken up the cudgels on behalf of the hutters.

He said: “This has caused a great deal of upset, frustration and anger.

“The fact that they will lose the entire 2026 season as a result of the flood defence works has come as a surprise to me as it was my understanding that disruption would be minimised.

“At no time, to my knowledge, was it suggested that this significant disruption would be the case.”

Cllr Cowell said the council risked ‘shattering’ the relationship built up with the hutters over the years, and said there were also concerns over a process of ‘grading’ beach huts to decide where certain types could be stored.

“This has been a deep disappointment,” he said. “I understand that it is difficult to accommodate such a construction scheme. People and construction aren’t always the best mix from a health and safety point of view.

“But what is so disappointing is that there has been no dialogue with the users. The detail has simply not been discussed with them, and I find that outrageous.

“The beach hut users are an important part of our community. They’re a unique community, and they should be treated with a bit more respect.”

Cllr Cowell said one suggestion had been to try to find temporary alternative places for the displaced beach huts in the summer of 2026.

The council says the new defences will protect low-lying areas of Paignton and Preston while at the same time giving the seafronts much-improved public spaces.

A briefing sent to councillors says: “Construction of a scheme of this size will take time and is likely to include some disruption. Our intention is to minimise the impact on local tourism, businesses and people who regularly use the seafront areas.”

Work at Paignton will begin in September and will be carried out in three separate phases lasting until May 2027. The Preston development will be carried out in a single phase from this September until December 2026.

A spokesperson said: “We have had many conversations with beach hut users and understand local concern around the disruption the Paignton and Preston Promenade coastal flood protection scheme development will cause.

“Due to the upcoming construction, health and safety restrictions will be in place and access to Preston Sands beach will be restricted to certain areas. These restrictions mean that Preston Sands beach huts will be removed before September 23 2025.

“Following removal, no beach huts will be available for the 2026 season.

“We understand that this will be disappointing to beach hut users and have not made the decision lightly. The scheme is however essential to protect the long-term future and enjoyment of Preston Sands.”