Seafront shelter shockers?

The 10 shortlisted designs, published in the Observer two weeks ago, were whittled down from 140 entrants, but Anthony Hamilton, of Southcliff, is one of a group of people outraged by the selection.

He claims few, if any, of the published designs conform with point three of the requirements, which states:

Though essentially open in form and character, the shelters should provide protection from rain, sun and from winds from different directions.

Anthony said: "None of them are fully protected. Bexhill is a very windy place, and in no way if it rains and is blowing a gale can you get shelter from them.

"I think they have rushed this through because they didn't want opposition to build up."

Competition organisers the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) emphasise the preliminary nature of the designs and the importance of the consultation process in shaping the final shelters which will replace the 20th century structures on West Parade.

RIBA competitions officer Linda Roberts said: "As a panel, the judges picked 10 designs that they felt would give the public a wide range of solutions to the brief.

"We say, here are some ideas, here are some first responses - have a look and say what you think. After the feedback, the jury panel has an opportunity to talk with the architects and resolve any issues. That's why we seek comments.

"As a panel they weren't saying that these were 10 schemes we think are perfect."

Along with a group of objectors including retired quantity surveyor John Hodson, of Cooden Sea Road, Anthony Hamilton is meeting Bexhill MP Greg Barker later this month, to register their objections to a consultation process Anthony claims has been rushed through.

John said: "My view is that hardly any of them comply. But there isn't any detail '“ we've only got these images on the web."

The consultation process ended last Tuesday (November 10). Final judging takes place over November 25-26. Before then, RIBA will gather all comments and pass them to the jury panel, which includes Rother District councillors Christopher Starnes, Frances Winterborn and Michael Ensor.

The final decision is based on the designs as published, combined with the comments received. When the winner is chosen, the architect will work with judges to refine their design based on criticisms received.

Linda said: "Hopefully at the end of this you will come out with a design that represents a good solution for everyone."

What do you think about the seafront shelter designs? To view the designs again, or for more information about Next Wave, visit www.next-wave.org.uk. To post your views so others can read them, leave your comments below.