A resident has warned of a 'huge backlash' if Cromer's iconic boating lake is replaced with a crazy golf course.

North Norfolk News: Angela Foister believes it would be a 'travesty' to get rid of the boating lake. Picture: David BaleAngela Foister believes it would be a 'travesty' to get rid of the boating lake. Picture: David Bale (Image: Archant)

Proposals for an 18-hole miniature golf course in Evington Gardens, in place of the existing lake, were discussed today by North Norfolk District Council.

Councillors on the development planning committee unanimously approved the application submitted by Lawns Leisure Ltd.

But Angela Foister, whose home overlooks the site, warned members of the consequences.

The former member of the Cromer Green Spaces Society told the meeting: 'The applicant has ruined the lake by dividing it into three parts. To visitors it appears to be closed as there are no attendants about,

'This is an area of outstanding natural beauty, and it's not a theme park. There will be a huge backlash if this is approved.

'The previous people at the lake ran it as a successful business, This will spoil Victorian Cromer. It will be a travesty in mine and many people's opinion.'

Afterwards, she added other concerns. She said: 'The boating lake is an intrinsic part of the town. This is not Yarmouth or Lowestoft, this is Cromer and north Norfolk. Once the lake goes, it will never be replaced.'

Earlier councillors had approved the plans with Brian Hannah saying it had to be 'an improvement on what's there now'.

Fellow councillor Tom FitzPatrick said: 'It's just replacing one tourist facility with another.'

The design will see the course snaking around the site, with nautically-themed features, including a half-sunken model ship and various obstacles across the 18 holes.

A council officer's report, which went before the committee, praised the project, saying it would not impact on the character of the area.

The report said: 'It is considered the development would offer some economic benefit to the town, more so than the current boating lake, and would make a contribution to the range of sustainable tourist activities on offer.'

However, the application received more than a dozen objections from people living nearby.

David Groves, of Fulcher Avenue, said: 'The boating lake is a Cromer tradition that should not be changed.'