A derelict former holiday camp has been sold to a development company more than a decade after it shut.
The 22-acre Pontins site in Hemsby is now in the hands of Ipswich-based Pine Developments.
A statement released on Thursday (April 30) said: “Northern Trust Company Ltd acted on behalf of a private client in achieving planning permission, and securing the disposal of the 22 acre former Pontins Holiday site in Hemsby, Great Yarmouth.
“Northern Trust initially promoted the site to gain planning permission for the redevelopment of the site with up to 190 dwellings.
“The plans also incorporated retail development and holiday accommodation together with associated open space, landscaping and infrastructure.
“Subsequently, Northern Trust undertook a disposal strategy, resulting in the sale of the site to Pine Developments Ltd.
“Northern Trust has worked closely with the local authority and other key stakeholders in bringing forward the regeneration of this derelict site for the benefit of the local economy.”
The site at Pontins closed some ten years ago and quickly fell into disrepair becoming a magnet for vandals.
It has long been a source of frustration in the village, and in the summer of 2018 more than 90 firefighters fought a blaze that was started deliberately.
MORE: ‘Just get the job done’ - plea to new Pontins site owner in Hemsby
Plans for 190 homes were submitted five years ago.
They include retail provision and static caravans.
The decision notice was issued in February this year.
In its heyday, the Pontins holiday camp housed tens of thousands of holidaymakers during the season.
Then at the end of 2008, staff were given just 48 hours notice to leave when the camp closed suddenly.
Over the years a number of schemes for the site have been proposed including one for a veteran’s village and an Eden of the East.
A preference for it to remain as a holiday site has been loudly voiced with supporters pointing to the multi-million pound investment in the Richardson’s site opposite, proving the appetite for traditional seaside. breaks.
However, hopes it would be snapped up by another holiday provider have not come to fruition.
In a statement, Great Yarmouth Borough Council said: “This site is privately owned and controlled.
“A number of legal notices, served previously by the council to help ensure community safety, remain in place at the site, irrespective of ownership.
“Last summer, the development control committee approved a planning application to redevelop the site, subject to conditions and finalisation of a legal agreement.
“The decision notice has been issued and that remains on the site, irrespective of ownership.
“The council would like to see the site brought back into viable use as soon as possible.”
The 22 acre site consists of four single storey chalet blocks and 44 two storey chalet blocks – total of 512 individual chalets.
At its peak it could accommodate 2,440 people.
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