Sheringham pub seeks planning permission for beach huts

The Crown, on Sheringham’s seafront, installed the four brightly coloured huts earlier this year as part of a six‑figure makeover that also revamped its interiors and lighting. 

When first put up, they caught North Norfolk District Council’s attention, which said the sheds were breaching planning permission.  

The pub was told its new beach huts were breaching planning rules (Image: Th Crown Sheringham)

The timber “pods”, which occupy three former parking spaces beside the pub’s garden, are pitched in planning documents as “cheerful” additions that fit the promenade and help screen a tarmac‑dominated car park from view. 

Stonegate, the chain which owns the pub, often have a temporary scaffolding stage for live music and mentions the current beach huts are more attractive and modest additions to the seaside setting.

The Crown (Image: Planning Application)

The design and access statement said: "The beach huts are not offensive and are in keeping with their coastal location.

"Therefore, we feel that these four beach huts should be seen as favourable additions to the pub grounds, as they do not detract from the setting or street scene of any of the surrounding buildings or locality."

In its application to North Norfolk District Council, the pub also argues the huts are aimed at younger families, offering semi‑private, sheltered outdoor dining.  

Despite losing parking spaces, the owners say enhanced outdoor seating is vital to keeping the venue popular with locals and visitors.

The application said: "The huts will ultimately attract some younger families to the Promenade Walk area, improving footfall and increasing diversity within the area."

The Crown has been a licensed pub since at least 1781 and has been rebuilt several times – the current building dates from 1935.