'Repulsive' new home in coastal village set for go-ahead despite objections

Plans for a new home labelled "repulsive" look set to get the go-ahead despite objections from villagers.

West Norfolk council's planning committee has been recommended to approve plans to demolish a house on Beach Road at Holme, near Hunstanton, when it meets on Tuesday.

The bungalow, known as Brownsea, would be replaced with an 'H-shaped two-storey home with five bedrooms, balcony, glazed areas and a timber pergola.

Holme Parish Council objected. It said: "The proposed house will present as a large, over-bearing and highly visible structure which is unsympathetic to the rural location and the character of the surrounding residential environment.

"Along with the large parking area it would be on full view to the 200,000-plus visitors who come to visit the nearby Holme Dunes National Nature Reserve via Beach Road each year."

Sixteen locals posted objections on the council's planning portal. Peter Ham said the bungalow was "a quaint, rustic and interesting building".

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He added: "The proposed replacement building is repulsive and is not suitable for Beach Road or any other location in this village.

"Everything about this proposal is a horror story and should not permitted."

Linda Scott posted: "It is a shame that the owner of this attractive property wishes to pull it down.

"It is very sad to see the proposed plans for the replacement building are so unimaginative and lacking in architectural merit."

Robert Warwicker added: "Such a shame the developers are planning to pull down an attractive, traditional property which is totally in keeping with the character of the village.

"Surely it could be renovated and discretely extended without tearing the building down."

But a planning officer's report concluded: "It is considered, on balance that the principle of demolition of the dwelling and replacement with a flood-resistant dwelling of appropriate design is acceptable."

It added the building’s design, scale and height are considered "appropriate for the site’s position within the settlement and within the conservation area".