Naturists today vowed to continue baring all despite losing a battle to stop a new development that they claimed threatened the ‘clothing optional beach’ they have used for over 70 years.
The upmarket flats in a former Naval gunnery have been granted planning permission despite fears new residents would forced naked sunbathers out.
The decision came after a council was told that although the building of the new homes could result in an increase of people overlooking the beach ‘this does not go against the philosophy of being a naturist’.
READ MORE: Appleby Horse Fair’s wildest moments as village locks down for Travellers’ arrival
Click here for the latest UK news from the Daily Star
“The philosophy around naturism is about accepting yourself fully, without judgment or shame,” the local authority was told.
(Image: Hampshire Live / Darren Pepe)
Naturists who use Eastney Beach in Portsmouth, Hants, reacted defiantly to the decision, vowing to continue stripping off regardless of the newcomers.
Graham Jickells said: “All of the people that I know that use the beach, are still going to use the beach and continue to do so.
“We’ll see what the residents say once it’s up and running and they see all these bodies wandering up and down the beach.
“I’m sure they’ll complain but it is what it is, it’s an official beach.”
The IT engineer from neighbouring Gosport said the beach is ‘very well used’ by over 200 naturists.
Developers Orangestar Capital first submitted plans to the city council to build 134 homes in the old Fraser Range building in 2018.
They described the development as a ‘fantastic opportunity to regenerate a derelict site’ with homes of ‘exceptional quality’ for affluent property buyers.
Plans for the development saw a huge backlash from naturists and other locals with 149 people publicly objecting to it.
(Image: Hampshire Live / Darren Pepe)
One objector, David Stares, said he has been using the beach for over 50 years and said the ‘planned sea defences’ leave ‘no space on the beach for the public’.
He wrote: “I think this is a ruse to remove the naturalists that have used this part of the beach for decades whom will have no where to go unless there is a designated area for them to go!
“Whilst a minority in the community they are entitled to use the beach as is everyone else, and I feel that they are not being treated fairly or being considered in this application!”
Another beach user said they feared the developers wouldn’t ‘inform the buyers properly beforehand that the beach in front of them in the summer is going to be covered with naked bodies’.
“The effect is likely to be is that there will be complaints that there are naked people on the beach,” they said.
Addressing concerns of the loss of the beach’s use, a report on behalf of the development – which was presented to the Planning Committee – said: “The beach can still be used as a naturist beach and others who wish to use the beach.”
A spokesperson from Orangestar Capital, part of Investin PLC, previously assured local naturists that access to the beach will be ‘enhanced’ by the development.
For more incredible stories from the Daily Star, make sure you sign up to one of our newsletters