More than 400 colourful beach huts lining Norfolk's coastal beaches will not be sold off after a council ruled out the move.
North Norfolk District Council officers had proposed beach huts and chalets in Cromer, Mundesley, Sheringham and Overstrand could be sold as a long leasehold in order to raise revenue.
Other measures put forward include offering them out to private companies, which would take over their management of them through leases.
But at a cabinet meeting this week, members of the Liberal Democrat-controlled authority voted to take a different tack.
READ MORE: North Norfolk council considers selling off beach huts
Councillors decided not to pursue these options after agreeing with members of the overview and scrutiny committee that there are "too many unknowns," said Lucy Shires, cabinet member for finance, estates and property services.
While the beach huts will not be sold, 33 of those currently offered as weekly lets will be converted into five-year leases.
This is to meet the huge demand for long-term rentals - currently, there are more than 900 people on waiting lists.
READ MORE: Fears Norfolk beach huts at risk due to stormy weather
Councillor Liz Withington, cabinet member for leisure, welcomed the decision to change weekly lets to longer rentals.
"I really welcome this and people in Sheringham who have been on the list for 14 years will do as well."
There were also calls for local people to be given the first chance of being offered the additional long-term lets.
READ MORE: Fears over Broads villages being 'abandoned to floods' as ideas dry up
However, this was rejected by Tim Adams, leader of the council, who said: "Opening these additional units gives everyone [on the list] a bit more advantage of securing one of these leases."
People can also expect to pay more in the future to lease the beach huts.
Ms Shires said that officers will be looking at increasing the rates, which have been mooted to rise by about 14pc.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here