Old Hunstanton Parish Council publishes neighbourhood plan which outlines restrictions on new developments in village

Councillors plan to impose strong restrictions on new developments after residents called for clearer boundaries around their village.

Old Hunstanton Parish Council has published a neighbourhood plan for public consultation – and it contains proposals for up to 20 policies.

These include a number of conditions which future developments would be expected to follow, such as building within an existing village boundary.

This came after 95% of respondents to a parish council questionnaire said they wanted clear boundaries between Old Hunstanton, Hunstanton and other neighbouring parishes.

A total of 83% said they wanted the neighbourhood plan to prevent any development outside those borders.

Additional council policies would aim to improve broadband and mobile signal in the village, as well as protecting a list of designated green spaces.

If approved, new developments in Old Hunstanton would be encouraged to stay within the village in order to preserve its ‘existing compact structure’ and “protect the existing countryside, much of which is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty”.

Large scale developments, classed as having 10 or more homes, would only be supported in “exceptional” circumstances where there is a clear need.

Preserving the features of heritage assets has also been deemed a priority after 96% of questionnaire respondents highlighted the importance of protecting unlisted buildings.

The parish council will encourage developers to hook new properties up to fibre broadband after 70% of residents said they found mobile signal to be poor in the village.

The 20 policy proposals have so far been through parish consultation and have been examined by West Norfolk Council.

A public consultation has now been launched, which will aim to confirm that plans meet basic conditions set out in planning legislation.

If they do, referendums will take place next year to determine whether or not they become of the planning process for Old Hunstanton.

The consultation can be accessed at libraries in Downham and Hunstanton libraries – as well as at the borough council’s offices in Lynn.

It can also be completed at https://www.west-norfolk.gov.uk/info/20127/neighbourhood_plans