Planners to visit historic Cromer house

An 18th century house on Cromer's historic Gangway will be visited by planning councillors following concerns about adding a rooftop dormer window in an improvement scheme.

Cliffside was built in 1776 and was the home of the former head coastguard and, more recently a member of the well known Davies fishing family.

New owner Richard Price, a district councillor who has other property on the gangway, is looking to refurbish the house - but some conservation lobbies have aired concerns about some elements of the project at the Grade II listed Georgian building.

North Norfolk District Council's development control committee heard the town council, preservation society, Save Britain's Heritage and the Georgian Group were concerned about a dormer on the Surrey Street side spoiling the look of the building.

Mr Price told the committee that improvements to the property would be a 'labour of love' taking a lot of time and money. Buildings often evolved over time and the dormer was needed to get safe access to the third floor, without having to crawl up the stairs.

His scheme also involved rebuilding a rear extension, replacing a front window with doors, and reinstatement of former flintwork after removing rendering.

Cromer councillor Benjamin Cabbell Manners said the building was in need of 'TLC' and the best way to conserve historic buildings was to ensure they were fit for purpose too.

Councillors agreed to hold a site visit, but approved plans to remove render from the neighbouring cottage Newstead House owned by Mr Price's mother.