A derelict tennis court which has gone unused for 20 years is finally set to be demolished to make way for new community facilities. 

Plans to redevelop a rundown section of Cromer’s North Lodge Park have been given the go-ahead by North Norfolk District Council (NNDC).

The scheme, which has been years in the making, will see the abandoned courts and a 1950s bandstand demolished to make way for a new multi-use space for pop-up markets and events.   

It will also see new public toilets installed, as well as a community shed, horticulture hub and greenhouse for growing plants. 

Eastern Daily Press: An artists' impression of how the revamped tennis courts area of North Lodge Park in Cromer could look (Image: Friends of North Lodge Park)An artists' impression of how the revamped tennis courts area of North Lodge Park in Cromer could look (Image: Friends of North Lodge Park) (Image: Friends of North Lodge Park)

The application was submitted by Cromer Town Council and the Friends of North Lodge Park, following years of discussion about what to do with the land. 

Speaking at the planning meeting on Thursday, Patrick West from Cromer Town Council, said: “This site has been disused for a long, long time now, probably as long as I can remember.

“The regeneration of the park, particularly this area, is essential to the residents and holidaymakers alike to make this area once again outstanding and to draw people in.” 

Eastern Daily Press: Pat West from Cromer Town CouncilPat West from Cromer Town Council (Image: Supplied)

He said there has been an increase in vandalism in the park and he hopes the redevelopment will reduce anti-social behaviour.

Following concerns raised earlier in the planning process, he also insisted that permanent structures on the site, such as a community shed and horticultural hub would be used all year round, not just in the summer months.

Eastern Daily Press: The rundown area as it looks nowThe rundown area as it looks now (Image: ALLY McGILVRAY)

One member of the public argued against the plan, saying that it went against national planning policy for not building on open space unless it provided new sports and recreational facilities. 

“Your verdict should be that the development is too highly concentrated, the buildings are inappropriate and they’ll harm the whole of the Cromer conservation area,” he said. 

Councillors disagreed and the plan was unanimously approved.