CALLS are being made for the owner of an “industrial”-looking beach hut, potentially worth over £100,000, to be forced to tear it down.

James Middleton of Llanbedrog was granted permission to demolish an existing beach hut at Abersoch in 2015 and rebuild it with one of similar proportions and appearance.

But the new hut is said to be significantly bigger than its predecessor, has a large platform in front, and is made of concrete and steel not timber or corrugated iron like those surrounding it.

It is nearly one metre taller than its neighbouring huts, and measures 5.7 metres by 5.5 metres in floor area, much larger than the 5.5-metre by 3.7-metre measurements originally approved in 2015.

A metal roller door has also been described as “alien” and “incompatible” by the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Unit.

The beach huts, which are not connected to any main services such as water or electricity, often command sky-high fees when they come up for sale, with the average price currently around £125,000.

The owner is asking for retrospective planning permission to be granted for the new larger beach hut – but planning officers are recommending refusal.

Gwynedd Council’s planning committee will discuss the matter next Monday.