Beach huts in West Mersea
The council has about 384 sites that are rented out on a long term basis to beach hut owners.
The sites are on Victoria Esplanade between Seaview Avenue and Broomhills Road. Within this area there is a site known as the Spinney that is not owned by us.
Who can rent a site
Residents and non-residents can rent sites but they provide and maintain their own beach huts.
We also rent out some sites to charities. The beach huts are very popular and all sites are rented out at present. We do not operate a waiting list. We do not have any beach huts that we rent out for short term holiday lets.
How to get a beach hut
You need to find a beach hut owner who wants to sell their beach hut.
Owners who want to sell their beach huts will usually either put a notice on their beach hut or advertise in the local press.
When you purchase the beach hut you need to make sure that the owner completes a transfer form and pays a transfer fee. You should also make sure that there are no unpaid site fees.
How much it will cost
The beach hut owner will decide the selling price of the hut. We charge a site rental that is payable in advance each year from 01 April.
The charge varies with the size and position of the site. You will pay more for a front row beach hut than for a beach hut on another row.
We charge a reduced fee for Colchester City residents and a special rate for charities. There is a 25% concession for those receiving specific means-tested benefits.
Ownership of beach huts is subject to National Non Domestic Rate (NNDR), particularly if you are a small business owner. However, it may be possible to claim up to 100% relief for NNDR.
Find more information and check if you are eligible to claim a discount
In the event of NNDR being payable, an extra invoice will be generated.
2024/2025 charges
| Site Rental - Colchester City Residents (inc. VAT) | Charge | With concession |
| Front row - small (2.44m x 3.05m) | £233.57 | £175.52 |
| Front row - large (3.05m x 3.66m) | £345.49 | £302.28 |
| Other row - small (2.44m x 3.05m) | £204.54 | £149.38 |
| Other row - large (3.05m x 3.66m) | £303.99 | £225.35 |
| Site Rental - Non City Residents (inc. VAT) | Charge | With concession |
| Front row - small (2.44m x 3.05m) | £393.94 | £283.40 |
| Front row - large (3.05m x 3.66m) | £580.23 | £436.72 |
| Other row - small (2.44m x 3.05m) | £352.64 | £245.94 |
| Other row - large (3.05m x 3.66m) | £519.52 | £393.94 |
| Plot rental for commercial hire of beach huts | Charge | With concession |
| Front row - small (2.44 x 3.05) | £1187.89 | |
| Front row - large (3.05 x 3.66) | £1757.03 | |
| Other row - small (2.44 x 3.05) | £1049.39 | |
| Other row - large (3.05 x 3.66) | £1546.08 |
| Other fees | Charge | With concession |
| Deck chair hire (1 year) | £254.52 | |
| Sailing board hire (1 year) | £516.85 | |
| Large front row (charity) | £148.63 |
Concessions
You can claim a reduced rate for beach hut hire if you belong to one of the groups listed below. The table also shows the type of evidence we need to process your application.
| Concession | Evidence needed |
| Income Support | Award letter (dated within 6 months) |
| Income based Jobseeker's Allowance | Award letter (dated within 6 months) |
| Income related Employment and Support Allowance | Award letter (dated within 6 months) |
| Pension Credit Guarantee Credit | Award letter (dated within 1 year) |
| Working Tax Credit (gross income is £16,010 or less) | Award letter (dated within 1 year) |
| Child Tax Credit (gross income is £16,010 or less) | Award letter (dated within 1 year) |
| People not receiving a benefit but on a low income | HC2 certificate |
| Universal Credit | Award letter (dated within 6 months) |
National Non-Domestic Rate charge
Business Rates - payable in addition to the licence fee.
Customers who own a beach hut may qualify for Small Business Rate Relief, if they have two or more beach huts they may qualify for Small Business Rate Relief on one property, providing criteria is met.
If you believe you are entitled to this relief, contact our Business Rates Team.
Find more information on Small Business Rate Relief
Transfer fee
Non Commercial usage (standard use and concessions) Transfer Fee for all huts is £389.99. Commercial usage Transfer Fee is £467.77
Payment is required along with a completed transfer form or letter of confirmation with your signature(s). Transfers to a husband, wife, child, parent or sibling are free of charge.
Download the formBeach hut commercial agreements
New arrangements are now available for those beach hut owners who wish to offer their beach huts for hire in return for a rental fee.
A Beach Hut Agreement (Commercial) is now available. This agreement is specifically worded to permit the commercial hire of beach huts on council land.
For those beach hut owners who intend to use their beach hut for their own personal enjoyment only and do not wish to offer their huts for commercial hire there are no changes to the previous arrangement.
If you wish to take up a Beach Hut Agreement (Commercial) in place of your standard beach hut agreement consider the agreement and declarations below. You can contact us at the address via the link provided and we will be able to progress your application.
Beach Hut Commercial Licence
Beach Hut Commercial Licence Statutory Notice
Beach Hut Commercial Licence Declaration
Parking
Season ticket (12 months): £60
Contact us
For more help or information:
- Email: parks@colchester.gov.uk
- Phone: 01206 508805
Page last reviewed: 30 May 2025