Lifeboat station plan blow
Plans to relocate a lifeboat station for the southern Broads will have to be abandoned after a second decision that the proposed site is not suitable.
Plans to relocate a lifeboat station for the southern Broads will have to be abandoned after a second decision that the proposed site is not suitable.
The RNLI appealed against the decision of Waveney District Council to refuse permission for a station off Saltwater Way in Oulton Broad, near Mutford Lock. It is currently on a site at Hampton's Yard which is set to be redeveloped, and although its lease has been extended to the end of this year is on a four-week notice period. After a five-year search it said that the proposed site was the only suitable one because of its central location both by water and road. But after a public inquiry last month, planning inspector Mike Moore has decided that it made the right decision.
He says that although the building would not harm the views of the broad from many directions, it would interrupt the view from Saltwater Way and the road bridge.
His decision says: "I consider the openness of the area to be an important attribute which would be significantly reduced by the scale and mass of the proposed building.
Penny Forrest, of Oulton Broad Community Enterprise, said: "We are very pleased, but we do wish the RNLI the best for the future and hope they find a suitable place.
An RNLI spokesman said: "It is very disappointing."
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The lifeboat is expected to stay at Hampton's Yard for the time being, and there is a possibility that it may be able to remain there as part of the redevelopment.
