Latest news with #NorthNorfolkDistrictCouncil
BBC News
a day ago
- Climate
- BBC News
Holt Country Park fire tackled by crews from 13 stations
Crews from 13 stations worked throughout the night to tackle a fire in a woodland area near a country Fire and Rescue Service was called to Norwich Road near Holt Country Park at about 21:25 BST on Sunday.A spokesperson said crews remained on the scene through the following day to check for Norfolk District Council, which owns the park, said "fortunately" there was no fire on the park. Charlotte Brown was walking with her partner when she saw the fire: "As soon as we could see the flames and were sure it was out of control and not just a bonfire, I phoned it in." The service warned the risk of fires in the open was "currently high" due to dry weather and high temperatures. "They also take away resources which may be needed for other emergencies - many fires in the open are preventable by taking extra care," a spokesperson said. Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- General
- Daily Mirror
UK seaside village vanishing into the sea and the £15m plan to tackle it
A five-year project with £15m of government funding aims to help residents impacted by the worsening threat of coastal erosion - as experts predict one seaside village will soon vanish A tiny UK seaside village famed for its rugged cliffs and sugar-like sand is in grave danger of vanishing into the sea. Since the 1990s, more than 250 metres of coastline at Happisburgh, in Norfolk, has been eroded. If it continues at this alarming rate, the village as it is now will be underwater water in just 30 years. It may sound like something out of an apocalypse film, but for residents quite literally living life on the edge - it's a terrifying reality. "What's happening in places like Happisburgh isn't just a prediction - it's a process that's already underway," explains climate analyst Dr Ian Richards. "Homes have collapsed, roads have disappeared and the cliff line is retreating faster than anyone expected." Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, a North Norfolk District Council spokesperson explained how the authority has been working tirelessly to protect the beaches and seaside communities that are threatened by erosion. Over the last 15 years, several coastal projects have sought to mitigate the worsening disaster and help locals impacted by crumbling cliffs. "The council has been working with and will continue to work with partners such as the Environment Agency and the national government to maintain sea defences where possible," they added. "Where this isn't possible or feasible, the Council has been working with coastal communities to develop, prepare, and adopt more options to help those communities impacted by coastal erosion." Coastwise - which started in 2022 and will run to 2027 as part of the Coastal Transition Accelerator Programme (CTAP) - is one of the only ongoing projects still trying to help residents adapt to the effects of erosion and climate change along a section of the North Norfolk coastline. It has received £15 million from Defra, as part of the government's £200 million innovation fund, to help 'transition and prepare' coastal communities in the area. "Coastwise will work with residents and businesses to prepare and plan for the long term," the initiative states. "Some immediate changes will support the long-term resilience of communities near the coast." These actions may include: 'Rolling back' property and facilities most likely to be affected by coastal erosion. Improving and replacing damaged community facilities like beach access or coastal transport links. Replacing public or community-owned buildings in areas at risk with removable, modular, or other building ideas. Repurposing land in coastal erosion zones for different uses, such as creating temporary car parks or restoring natural habitats. "Actions may also include working with the finance and property sectors to explore funding methods to help move communities away from fast-eroding areas," Coastwise added. "For example, schemes to encourage the relocation of at-risk infrastructure for businesses and homeowners." After the project ends, it is hoped that communities in North Norfolk feel they have a 'more sustainable future' and can access support helping them move away from risk. The initiative also aims to give the council enough resources and capability to 'assess, find funding, manage and deliver effective adaptation and transition options to its communities'. While Coastwise will not provide compensation for homes lost to erosion, it may be able to offer financial support for residents needing to transition out of the coastal erosion risk area. At the moment, there are around 600 properties in Happisburgh, homing some 1,400 people. Despite Happisburgh's bleak future, the Parish Council says tourists should 'definitely visit' the village. "It is a wonderful holiday destination with a fabulous beach and is a beautiful village," a spokesperson added. This attitude has also been adopted by locals, including Maria Jennings - a B&B owner who is confident the village's environmental challenges won't put off tourists just yet. "We know the risks, but we also know the beauty," she said. "People come here to relax, enjoy the beach and walk the coast. Most understand the situation - they just want to enjoy it while they still can."
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
New pool on its way for Norfolk town after £11m scheme approved
A new swimming pool is on its way in a Norfolk town after councillors agreed plans for the £11m project. Fakenham's sports and fitness centre in Trap Lane expansion will now progress after North Norfolk District Council's development committee unanimously approved the scheme. As well as a 25m pool, other elements of the project include refurbished exercise studios, a 55-station fitness suite and new changing areas. What the new pool could look like (Image: Saunders Boston Architects) It is made possible thanks to government funding, confirmed last year by Labour, having been first proposed by the former Conservative administration. The approval of the plans will mean people living in Fakenham will again be able to swim in the town after the previous pool closed in 2014. At a meeting this week, Christopher Cushing, a Fakenham Conservative councillor, said: "News that Fakenham will get a new pool has been received enthusiastically by the majority of the town. "It is the best form of exercise." READ MORE: Flagship swimming pool project pushes up council tax Design plans have been revealed for Fakenham's swimming pool and 3G pitch (Image: Saunders Boston Architects) During the debate, councillor Angie Fitch-Tillett, also praised the project, highlighting that Norfolk had some of the highest rates of drownings last year in the country. She said: "We have more water than anywhere else. It is absolutely vital that people learn to swim." The eco-friendly elements of the project were also praised by councillor Adam Varley. "It is fantastic to see what we are doing with our future estates," he said. While there has been a huge amount of support for the pool, Fakenham's town brass band has previously complained about the project. What the new fitness suite could look like (Image: Saunders Boston Architects) The pavilion, where the band used to rehearse, will be demolished to make way for the project, which upset some members. Sports England also raised concerns that a cricket pitch will be lost through the development. But ultimately, councillors voted unanimously for the plans to go ahead. A 3G pitch will also be developed and will be able to offer an all-weather outdoor sports facility but this is subject to a separate application.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
New pool will be 'huge benefit' to town
A new swimming pool will be a "huge benefit" to a town that has been without one for over a decade, a meeting was told. North Norfolk District Council's planning committee unanimously backed an £11m improvement plan to Fakenham's leisure centre - put forward by the council itself. Conservative Councillor Angie Fitch-Tillett said after figures showed Norfolk had the second highest number of accidental drownings last year, the pool was needed because it was "vital that people learn how to swim". The new pool will have four, 25-m (82-ft) lanes whilst a 3G all-weather artificial grass pitch will be added to site. Its changing rooms will also be refurbished. The authority's Liberal Democrat leader Tim Adams said construction work could start later this year and the new facilities could open in October 2026. Referring to figures from the National Water Safety Forum, which showed 9 people accidentally drowned in the county last year, Fitch-Tillett said pools were a "necessity for people learning to swim". "Don't forget, we've got more water than anywhere else. Not just the sea, but the Broads and rivers," she added. Some members of the town's brass band had opposed the plan, because it will see the demolition of the space they had used to practice in. But the local Conservative councillor Christopher Cushing said the idea had been "received enthusiastically by the majority of residents in the town". There has been a long-running campaign for a new swimming facility since the closure of Fakenham Academy's pool in 2014. Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Cold War plane transported to new home Theatre boss amazed to show off Shakespeare stage Motorsport: 'I was the only female in the room' North Norfolk District Council
BBC News
08-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Fakenham's first McDonald's allowed despite opposition
Plans for a town's first McDonald's have been approved by a council for the second time, after concerns were raised over its proximity to schools. North Norfolk District Council originally approved the application in March for a new drive-through fast food restaurant on Holt Road in Fakenham, Norfolk. Opponents, however, claimed the authority had not adequately considered the potential adverse health effects the restaurant could have, due to its position near a number of schools. Despite the opposition, the application has been approved for a second time. The planning proposal was put forward by Kevin Foley, who already owns 13 branches of McDonald's in Norfolk as a franchise. While the proposal had been debated by councillors, according to the National Planning Policy Framework, which guides planning decisions, councils should refuse applications for fast-food outlets "within walking distance" of schools, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said. The proposed McDonald's is within a 20-minute walk of Fakenham Academy, Duke of Lancaster Academy, Fakenham Junior School and Fakenham Infant and Nursery School. Following a complaint over the handling of the application, the authority agreed to reconsider the proposals at a planning committee meeting. Despite this, council officials determined all four schools were a suitable distance living in the area also previously expressed concern over increased traffic, noise, litter and competition for local businesses. The site would create up to 120 full and part-time jobs, McDonald's said. Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
