A CONTROVERSIAL £1 million coastal defence project in Hampshire has been given the go ahead despite protests by residents.

The plans at Hillhead promenade include building a section of two foot high railing, 150 metres long, on top of the existing promenade in front of a number of beach huts.

The plans sparked public anger but have now been approved by Fareham council.

Residents are furious, claiming the council has turned a blind eye after raising concerns that the structure would be an “eyesore” and an “unnecessary restriction” for access to the beach and its 33 associated huts.

Bill Hutchinson, Chair of the Hillhead Residents Association said: “It’s absolutely ridiculous the way this has been handled, there are more than 4.5 miles of the promenade with no extra protection yet they want to build a wall of just 150m which seems pointless.”

“It’s a waste of money and will simply cause more accidents particularly if someone’s climbs on the railings they could fall down and easily injure themselves.”

The plans, which have been put forward by the the Eastern Solent Coastal Partnership are the second phase of a £950,000 project to boast coastal defences around Hill Head area for the next 50 years after winter storms damaged the old sea wall defences in 2015.

Initial works began last autumn that saw the beach groynes replaced and more than 200 lorry loads of shingle deposited onto the beach.

Councillor Keith Evans, executive portfolio holder for planning for the borough council, said: “Building the seawall will allow residents, visitors, and beach hut owners to safely carry on enjoying the promenade for years to come.”

Chairman of the Planning Committee, Councillor Nick Walker said: “The Eastern Solent Coastal Partnership has created a scheme that will last for several decades and although residents think it has been over-engineered, it takes into account raising tide levels and potential health and safety hazards.”

“It is critical that the scheme went ahead now if it didn’t then the scheme could be lost leaving the beach huts, promenade and other properties vulnerable.”

Construction of the sea wall is now expected to start this summer and is expected to take several months.