Controversial plans to re-develop a derelict hotel on Sheringham seafront have been showcased to the public.

North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) is preparing a planning application on the former Shannocks Hotel site and neighbouring pay and display car park.

It forms part of move to compulsory purchase the run down building which has become a blight on the local landscape.

Residents voiced their opinions on the proposals for nine apartments and ground floor commercial units at an exhibition at the town's Oddfellows Hall today.

Responses were divided on the scheme, which is being put forward by NNDC in partnership with property advisors Savills and architects Ingleton Wood.

Vicky Wood, from Sheringham, said: 'We live near here and the parking is dreadful, because people will not pay to use the car park, so this is going to make it worse - especially at holiday times and the 1940s weekend.'

Mrs Wood's husband David was also underwhelmed by the development. 'All the shops are closing this end of the High Street, we need an attraction to bring people down,' he said. 'There is nothing here that adds anything to the town.'

However, another resident who did not wish to be named, said: 'The plan is good - I like the fact that the car park would go away, which will reduce traffic coming through the town centre.

'I am very keen to see the site redeveloped, it is a mess. This has been going on for years and years and something should have been done quite a long time ago.'

The hotel's owners, Huddies Ltd, is currently drawing up an alternative planning application on the site.

A company spokesman said: 'We are still fully committed to redeveloping the site and, having received a response to our submission from the planning department, we expect to submit a full planning application in the coming weeks.

'We are therefore surprised that NNDC continues to develop and advertise its alternative proposals.'

A statement issued by NNDC said: 'The council remains supportive of this site being developed by its owner, subject to appropriate planning permission.

'Nevertheless, given the significant delay already suffered by the local community, the council intends to put itself in a position where it can make a compulsory purchase order immediately, if this becomes necessary.'