The beach was bought by the Oyster Fishery Company in 1856

Canterbury City Council has entered into negotiations to buy the beach from its owners, the Whitstable Oyster Fishery Company.

The mile-long shingle stretch is one of only a small number in the UK to be privately owned.

The council decided to make the offer, believed to be worth about �200,000, to guarantee access to the beach for the public in the future and to ensure it remained free of charge.

'Sold off in strips'

The Oyster Fishery Company has never tried to enforce its right to prevent people going on to the beach.

But residents have opposed plans by the firm in recent years to develop the site, which it bought in 1856.

Nick Dewhurst, of Whitstable Beach Campaign, said: "One of the particular risks was the idea that the beach could be sold off in strips to people who own beach huts.

"Can you imagine if that happens? They might want to put fences up and there goes everyone's favourite walk.

"That's what has to be stopped and public ownership is the best way to ensure that."

Users are unlikely to notice the difference if the beach is bought because the council is already responsible for cleaning it and maintaining its sea defences.

Canterbury City Council and the Oyster Fishery Company declined to comment on the bid while negotiations were underway.