Nudists fear new development will force them off beach where they have stripped ... trends now
Nudists have became embroiled in a planning row over fears a new upmarket development could force them off of their favourite beach.
Eastney Beach in Portsmouth, Hampshire, has allowed naked sunbathers for more than 70 years and is one of only a handful still in use on the South Coast.
However, plans to build 134 homes in a derelict naval gunnery building that overlooks the beach have worried devoted naturists who fear buyers won't be informed that it is 'going to be covered with naked bodies' in the summer.
Developers Orangestar Capital first submitted plans to the city council to transform Fraser Range in 2018.
They described the development as a 'fantastic opportunity to regenerate a derelict site' with homes of 'exceptional quality' for affluent property buyers.
The apartment plans are said to give residents an 'acceptable standard of living environment' - whilst also providing a £2m infrastructure investment to Portsmouth City Council.
Nudists pictured strolling along Eastney Beach in Portsmouth, Hampshire, in 2008
Naturists are now worrying that a new upmarket development, pictured, could force them off of their favourite beach where they have stripped off more than 70 years
But it has seen a huge backlash from naturists and other locals with 149 people publicly objecting to it.
One objector, David Stares, who has been using the beach for over 50 years, said: 'I think this is a ruse to remove the naturalists that have used this part of the beach for decades whom will have nowhere 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!
'As those wishing to buy a beachfront property may not be very accommodating to nudists laid opposite their expensive apartments during the summer.'
He continued: 'I think that this is an abuse of power and will detract from the local community whom have used the beach for many years.'
Another objector wrote: 'Fraser Range has one of the few naturist beaches on the south coast and is one of the few clean and accessible local beaches left after substantial flood defences on our shores.
'We local people need to be able to access our natural resources to walk, swim or enjoy water sports.
'The space we have to enjoy these freedoms is becoming less and less each year and our population is suffering with mental health and obesity epidemics.'
Barry Knell, 67, has been using the shingle beach since the year 2000 and said: 'I know other people have been using it for about 60 to 70 years, uninterrupted.
'A friend of mine, he goes to the swimming club, he's 94 and he's been using that beach since he was 20 years old.
'From a naturist point of view, we're fairly shy and retiring people - but we're not embarrassed to be naked and to be seen.
'But, it's the thought that if they put the development of homes, right there,
