Agatha Christie fans have been left outraged after planning permission was granted for five holiday homes on the writer's favourite beach.
Developers have been given the green light to build a modern block of huts at Beacon Cove - dubbed 'Agatha Christie Mile' - in Devon.
Hertfordshire-based Hemel Hempstead Property Company has been given the go-ahead for them on land half way up the cliff.
The firm said they would be used as holiday homes and any single user would only be able to stay for a maximum of 12 weeks a year - but they would be available all year round.
Aged 13, Christie almost drowned at the Torquay beauty spot while trying to help a nephew and had to be rescued by a passing sailor.
The pebble beach was a favourite of the best-selling author - who wrote Miss Marple and Poirot - and in Christie's day it was the Ladies Bathing Cove.
It remained popular until an ugly walled walkway was built in the 1980s when the area slipped into misuse and became an out-of-hours party area.
In the last few years campaigners have reclaimed the beach, with locals Graham Stephenson and Jim Cairns raising money to gate it off at night.
Hertfordshire-based Hemel Hempstead Property Company have been given the go-ahead for them on land half way up the cliff
Developers have been given the green light to build a modern block of huts at Beacon Cove - dubbed 'Agatha Christie Mile' - in Devon
The firm said it would be used as holiday homes and any single user would only be able to stay for a maximum of 12 weeks a year. They would be available year-round. A sketch shows how the cove would like after the plans are undertaken
Locals were livid with the new plans, with some taking to the comments section of the application to vent their fury. All 15 who commented objected to the move (pictured, the plans)
Aged 13, Christie (pictured in later life) almost drowned at the Torquay beauty spot while trying to help a nephew and had to be rescued by a passing sailor
Locals were livid with the new plans, with some taking to the comments section of the application to vent their fury. All 15 who commented objected to the move.
One wrote: 'I am concerned that this development will result in an increase in people using Imperial Court environs, particularly the car park which is already short of space, especially for visitors.
'There may be accidents as there is little space for turning vehicles added to the people on foot walking from the Imperial Hotel to the town.'
They added: 'The access to the beach huts needs to be more carefully thought through. I am also concerned about increased noise from the people using the beach huts and the access.'
One put: 'The proposal may result in increased footfall into Imperial Court - there is already congestion in the car park which lacks visitor spaces - and there is thus the propensity for accidents. Health and safety is a very real risk.
'Furthermore there is a risk of illegal parking by the barrier to Imperial Court which would impede emergency services such as fire and ambulance.'
Beacon Cove is pictured from above, showing the beach made famous by Christie as well as the site where the chalets would go
This plan show show the chalet would be set out, with a bathroom on the ground floor and a mezzanine sleeping platform above
A map shows a site plan for the five holiday homes as well as paths down to the beach and where the nearby car park is located
A wider map shows the area surrounding Beacon Cove in Deven, with the proposed holiday homes highlighted in red above
The news also sparked a furious backlash online. One person said: 'Firstly, are you telling me there are not enough places for people to stay in the area?' Pictured: Plans for the chalets
The news also sparked a furious backlash online. One person said: 'Firstly, are you telling me there are not enough places for people to stay in the area?
'Or is this for a few wealthy folk to buy up a prime seaside location? Either way it stinks.
'If you see the chaos boats and jet skis have caused in Babbacombe Bay over the years, this cove will go the same.
'Is it really worth it for five new builds? I think not. Leave the cove alone...' Another person said: 'I find it beyond belief that this application has been re-submitted.
'The area is a major conservation hotspot. The Seagrass is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act and the Seahorses are a protected species.
'Isn't it time that humans put the environment ahead of temporary profit? We only have one planet folks, what are you leaving for your children to inherit?'
A third said: 'I strongly object. [It] will impact on local environment and sea with rubbish and strongly object to overnight accommodation, as soon there will be the Hilton and Premier Inn locally opening, it's a very small cove.
