A controversial bid to bring a new tea room to the outskirts of Cromer has been met with objections from residents, who have branded the plans an 'unsuitable eyesore' which would make the area 'less desirable'.
An application to build the tea room at Fearns Park playing field, on Station Road, was put into North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) in May, and has since received 13 letters of objection and 27 letters of support.
The log cabin-style building would be situated to the northern side of the park's green open space, near to a previous building's concrete base believed to be a former changing room. Adjacent to the Suffield Park Bowls Club, it would include an outdoor seating area and a disabled access toilet.
A number of Station Road residents have already aired their concerns via NNDC.
Resident John Austin is just one of the people to lodge an objection that echoes the same concerns of others living there.
He was concerned that the tea room would be an eyesore to the surrounding area, create unwanted cooking smells, increase noise and light pollution, be unsuitable for the disabled and elderly, and make the location less desirable.
Other residents raised concerns over draining issues and queried if this area of public land should be used for financial gain.
A spokesman for Suffield Park Bowls Club said members also had concerns that an increase in visitors to the area could potentially see the bowling green being 'misued' following on from occasional problems the club had with 'youths playing football on it'.
Not everyone was as quick to dismiss the plans, however.
Mr Sadler, of Forest Park, Cromer, said: 'The proposal for the tearoom on Fearns Park is a fantastic idea. It will create a good space for families.'
Nigel Pearce, Suffield Park ward councillor, said: 'Having viewed the application thus far, I basically feel that it would be an asset in the location.'
Members of Cromer Town Council have also voiced their support for the application.
Proposed opening hours would be 8.30am to 5pm. The tea room plans to sell hot and soft drinks, and food such as sandwiches, paninis, and cakes.
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