Stuart Marshall successfully sought retrospective planning permission from Redcar and Cleveland Council’s regulatory committee for changing the use of four of the units.

In a written representation, Saltburn ward councillor Stuart Smith said he had been supportive of the beach huts when up to 45 were approved by the council in 2016 and they met a clear growing demand from visitors.

However his support had not been based on the premise they would be converted into further commercial ventures.

Cllr Smith wrote: “The Lower Promenade was envisioned as a space to offer provision for beachgoers and residents seeking recreational use, which the beach huts provide, rather than accommodating for further commercial enterprises.

“Moreover, it already hosts enough retail units capable of offering food, beverages and other goods associated with a coastal environment.”

Peter Finlinson, from Saltburn, Marske and New Marske Parish Council, which also objected, suggested there were already safety issues with chairs and tables associated with the huts causing obstructions.

Mr Finlinson said people seeking retrospective planning permission was a “bad habit that should be stopped as soon as possible” and suggested Mr Marshall’s application “could give licence to anybody to set themselves up with whatever business they considered appropriate”.

Mr Marshall, who said he planned to install a further 12 beach huts by the summer, described an open plan seating area with affordable hot and cold drinks and basic snacks being sold.

He told a meeting more than 60% of the retail outlets along the promenade belonged to one individual so “a little competition should not do any harm” and he was at the opposite end to other businesses.

Mr Marshall said all the beach huts were wheelchair accessible and he and his staff were constantly reminding people to keep the centre of the promenade as clear as possible for the safety of others and to allow any required emergency access.

He said any tables and chairs placed outside the café were behind a barrier.

Mr Marshall said: “Clients using the beach huts come from far afield and each year they bring more and more people to the area, which can only be a good thing for all, including Redcar and Cleveland Council.”

A council officer’s report said the beach huts were in the middle of the run of existing beach huts with plans to use one as an office, one as a shop/servery and two huts together utilising internal seating space to create a café with eight tables.

Planning committee chairman, Councillor Tristan Learoyd said he did not see any planning grounds to reject the application, but it was a “commercial decision to seek to maximise profit”.

He said: “The original intention when planning was granted was to have these individual units for rent in the traditional British manner.

“I consider it a great shame that they have gone from that purpose to something quite different.”

Cllr Stephen Martin questioned whether a pavement licence from the council was required, but development services manager Claire Griffiths said that was separate and did not affect planning permission.

Councillor Carl Quartermain said his concern was the potential for a “bottleneck” on the promenade, particularly on busy days.

The report noted comments about pedestrian accessibility and a reduction in the width of the promenade, but said the plans would not have an adverse impact on accessibility.

It said: “The application site includes only the building curtilage and relates to the use of the beach huts only.

“The provision of seats on the promenade is not a matter which can be controlled through the planning application.”

Councillor Justin Thompson proposed the application was approved.

He said: “I respect Cllr Smith’s comments around the volume of commercial vocations, but if you visit the area in summer the queues can be two hours long, so more available facilities for residents and visitors is good news.”

Cllr Thompson said a 2.5 metre remaining gap on the promenade was acceptable and praised the visual impact of the beach huts with his proposal being seconded by Cllr Martin and the item subsequently passed following a vote.

Saltburn: Businessman who turned Yorkshire beach huts into a cafe without planning permission allowed to keep his business going despite 'great shame'