A proposed polytunnel and a pair of shipping containers are among the reasons plans to rejuvenate a popular seaside park have been put on the back burner.
An application to transform the former tennis court area of Cromer’s North Lodge Park has been deferred by North Norfolk District’s development committee.
READ MORE: Cromer tennis court redevelopment recommended for approval
The courts and 1950s bandstand have been unused for years, but Cromer Town Council and the Friends of North Lodge Park came up with a plan to turn them into a multi-use space for pop-up markets and events.
The proposal would have included public toilets, a community shed building, a polytunnel for growing plants an entertainment space.
READ MORE: Cromer Seaview building to become About With Friends bistro
At the committee’s monthly meeting, councillor Kim Toye said: “I would prefer to see more open green space.
"We have a majority older generation, they can’t get down to the beach easily, and this could be made into more of a place to relax.”
Councillor Gerard Mancini-Boyle said: “I’m not a fan of containers, but my main concern with this scheme is that while it looks trendy, I think it will only be seasonal.
"In the winter this will not be used and a lot of the stuff will probably go to rack and ruin.”
READ MORE: Cromer tennis courts community space plans unveiled
But councillor Peter Fisher spoke in favour of the plan. He said: “The tennis courts are only a small part of that large open space, we shouldn’t lose sight of that.
“Whether the polytunnel is in the right place, I don't know. But I do think that overall there is more good than harm.”
When it came to a vote, four councillors voted for the plan, five voted against and there were four abstentions.
But when the committee was asked to vote for the reasons why the plan should be refused, eight councillors abstained, meaning there were not enough for a quorum.
Councillors then voted unanimously to defer the plan, for consideration at a later meeting.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here