TOURISTS could soon be flocking to the coastline between Skegness and Mablethorpe after the Government announced plans to relax planning controls.

The proposals would see the blanket ban on development along stretches of eroding shoreline, partially lifted in an effort to boost the local economy.

And that could see East Lindsey District Council allowing the construction of temporary beach huts, cafés and car parks to attract more holidaymakers to the area.

Coastal regeneration portfolio holder for the council Dick Edginton welcomed the move.

Cllr Edginton said: "I'm sure we would welcome the opportunity to maximise the potential of the Lincolnshire coast, while taking note of the potential for sea level changes in the next 30, 40 or 50 years.

"Tourism is the major industry on the coastal strip and, despite the recession, every cloud has a silver lining.

"The pound to euro ratio is such that people are staying in the UK for their holidays and for resorts like Skegness and Mablethorpe that's good news.

"We will do anything that we can to help that."

Under the new policy, which is currently undergoing a consultation process, all 'inappropriate' residential development will continue to be banned but 'relocatable' temporary buildings which have wider economic benefits will be allowed.

Spokesman for the Environment Agency's Anglian region Rita Penman said the group was currently considering its response to the development and coastal change document.

She explained: "Locally we have, for some time, been advocating a precautionary approach to coastal development because of the long term implications of sea level rise.

"We are actively involved in the generation of evidence which will help inform planning decisions."

The Government said it hoped the new policy managed to strike the right balance between economic prosperity and coastal change.