A new twist has emerged in the long-running saga over plans to transform a derelict hotel at the centre of the seafront in Sheringham.
North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) had submitted plans to demolish the former Shannocks Hotel and develop the site, together with the neighbouring car park, into a new apartment block made up of 10 two-bedroom properties above four commercial units.
However, Sheringham Town Council objected to the proposals at its planning meeting on Tuesday night - citing concerns over the loss of parking spaces amid fears it could prevent people with mobility issues accessing the promenade.
While NNDC owns the pay and display Chequers car park, councillors also flagged up concerns that the applicants do not have ownership of the whole site.
READ MORE: Sheringham hotel redevelopment plans will 'improve' seafront
Beeston Regis-based company Huddies Ltd, which owns the former Shannocks Hotel, has submitted its own plans to demolish the seaside property and replace it with a mixed development, with ground floor retail units, a first-floor restaurant, and residential apartments on the upper floors - which the town council has welcomed.
NNDC submitted its plans following concerns over the length of time the hotel has lain empty. It has set aside almost £500,000 for a compulsory purchase order to buy the site from Huddies Ltd if it fails to act.
Reflecting on the meeting, Sheringham mayor David Gooch, who stressed the town council does support development which will improve the site, said: 'There were lots of comments about the loss of the Chequers car park.' And he added: 'Everybody had said 'no' they wanted the Chequers car park retained.'
Huddies Ltd has welcomed the town council's decision.
A spokesperson for the company said: 'Huddies Ltd submitted an application for full planning permission in February to deliver a vibrant, forward looking development at the heart of the seafront. In light of its own application, the company considers that the District Council's application for a parallel proposal is wholly unnecessary, and an imprudent use of ratepayers' money.
'Huddies Ltd shares the Town Council's concerns that the loss of the Chequers Car Park will have a considerable detrimental impact on the town. In view of the lack of any public benefit arising from the District Council's application, the loss of important public parking facilities in the town cannot be justified.'
NNDC has been asked for a comment.
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