A council driving ahead with controversial plans to build a hotel on a popular seaside car park has confirmed it could take over management of other town centre spaces.

North Norfolk District Council revealed it would investigate the possibility of taking over the management of the private car park at the Budgens store, off the town's Garden Street, following a breakfast briefing with local businesses on Wednesday morning.

The local authority - which caused uproar when it unveiled plans to develop part of the Cadogan Road car park in Cromer after a failed bid to create a car park in North Lodge Park - organised the meeting to give ratepayers the chance to discuss its spending plans for the forthcoming financial year before they are finalised and approved. However, only three 'guests' turned up.

A council spokesman said: 'The leadership team at North Norfolk District Council actively encourages residents and businesses to take part in the decision making process which informs service provision across the district.

'That participation can take the form of attendance at and contribution to a range of NNDC public meetings, membership of the various bodies which contribute formally to consultations such as parish and town councils, speaking to elected members, commenting on planning applications, or the many other avenues which can be used.

'The meeting this morning was one example of that participation and we are grateful to those people who took the time to attend and give their views.

'In terms of the Budgens car park and in response to concerns raised by a business person attending this morning, the district council offered to approach the new operator of the store (understood to be Co-op) informing them of the arrangements the district council can offer in terms of parking management and enforcement.'

The Co-op takeover of Budgens is subject to the approval of the Competition and Markets Authority. The firm's press office confirmed it is awaiting a decision.