Plans to change the face of Cromer Pier thrown out by district council

Plans to change the profile of Cromer's greatest landmark have been rejected by the district council.

North Norfolk District Council's planning committee has rejected plans to erect a number of wind breakers and outdoor seating areas along the Pier.

In their refusal statement to Openwide, who run the Pier on behalf of NNDC, the committee said: 'In the opinion of the local planning authority the proposed works would be harmful to the special character of the grade II listed heritage asset, in particular its openness and visual symmetry.

'The proposal fails to describe the significance of the heritage asset and whilst the resulting harm would be less than substantial, no public benefits which would flow from it and potentially outweigh this harm, have been identified.'

Other concerns listed in the committee's report included serious hazard risks including potential issues should an emergency arise, dangers for people with impaired eyesight, and danger during strong winds or a tidal surge.

The committee also raised that using glass would be an unsuitable material as it would have to be cleaned on a daily basis.

Openwide's propsal was for free standing shields in three separate areas of the pier.

These included one area in front of the Pavillion Theatre, and two on the left hand side of the pier.