Expansion plans for Wild Ken Hill to go before West Norfolk Council planning committee once again
A major expansion at a popular West Norfolk nature reserve could be approved tomorrow as bosses aim to provide “higher quality, longer stays” for visitors.
Staff at Wild Ken Hill, based between Heacham and Snettisham, want to convert existing farm buildings into a new visitor centre, cafe, retail space and an indoor play building.
The application was deferred at an April meeting of West Norfolk Council’s amid traffic and highways concerns from Independent Terry Parish, who has since become leader of the council.
It will now go before councillors once again tomorrow morning (Monday) at 9.30am after Norfolk County Council carried out a feasibility study into the junction between Lamsey Lane and Lynn Road, which would be a proposed new entrance to the nature reserve.
A pre-planning report reads: “The feasibility study has now been concluded and looked at various traffic light and roundabout options, some with bus priority measures, to improve traffic flow at the junction.
“The simpler forms of these are lower-cost and require less land take, whereas the roundabout option, which is a typical solution for principal road junctions, would involve higher costs and more land take.”
If approved, the Wild Ken Hill expansion would also include the addition of a “small” ten-yurt glamping site, a 210-space car park, and a new off-road permissive path to “enhance connectivity” between Heacham and Snettisham.
An original planning statement from bosses at the reserve said: “Last September, we submitted planning applications for facilities at Wild Ken Hill that will allow us to host, engage, and educate a wider range visitors and residents about the exciting nature restoration work taking place here.
“Our vision is to allow greater connection with nature and the outdoors at Wild Ken Hill, with sustainable facilities that work for all, including a new off-road path to better link Snettisham and Heacham and new wildflower meadows, as well as a dog walking area with free parking. We truly think the plans will be a great boost for people, wildlife, and climate.
Locally, we have also already created two new jobs, 15 volunteering opportunities, opportunities for students, a new nature festival, as well as hosting two-three open days for local residents, welcoming children on around 200 days per year, and operating 200+ acres of permissive access.
“This, however, is just a start – we are extremely constrained by a lack of facilities. In order to fulfil our vision of fighting climate change and restoring biodiversity across the UK, Wild Ken Hill needs the ability to welcome more visitors for higher quality, longer stays.”
A connected scheme for a campsite with 20 caravan pitches and 40 tent pitches off Lamsey Lane at Heacham, which was also deferred in April, will also go back before the planning committee tomorrow.
Independent councillor Jo Rust will take her position as head of the committee for the first time.
