Norfolk council to force purchase of Sheringham hotel site

North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) is seeking to force a compulsory purchase of the now-bulldozed Shannock Hotel plot in Sheringham after plans to redevelop the site have failed to come to fruition.

The authority will likely seek to sell the site if this goes ahead but officers have warned there is a risk the authority will lose money in the transaction.

The demolition of the former Shannocks hotel site in Sheringham in May 2021 (Image: Chris Taylor Photo)

The Shannock Hotel, which was more than a century old, was demolished in 2021 by Sheringham-based Huddies - who own the site - after it stood vacant for more than a decade.

However, plans to redevelop the plot into flats and shops stalled due to rising costs and building material shortages.

It has meant the site, which is in a key spot on the promenade, has been left undeveloped for three years.

The site after it was demolished (Image: Supplied)

After the demolition, Huddies put barriers up around the site.

Barriers placed around the site in Sheringham (Image: Google)

NNDC previously committed to the compulsory purchase - a legal tool that allows councils to acquire land or property - and it is now to decide whether it wants to go ahead with the move.

The alternative option is to withdraw from the process and leave it in the hands of the current owners which could mean it will remain an "eyesore" plot of rubble indefinitely.

With Sheringham being a major tourist destination in the district, the council has been keen to see something done and considers it a priority problem in the district.

A report to members describes it as a "blight" on the Sheringham Conservation Area and fears it will lead to reputational harm if the situation is not resolved.

The decision will be made at a cabinet meeting on Monday, March 11.