Fresh protests in seafront stall saga
John Owens OPPOSITION is building to revised plans to create a food and drinks stall in place of an old lifeguard hut in Gorleston that will not now not include a nearby public shelter.
John Owens
OPPOSITION is building to revised plans to create a food and drinks stall in place of an old lifeguard hut in Gorleston that will not now not include a nearby public shelter.
A previous application was withdrawn amid controversy triggering 30 objections and a 500-name petition before it could be decided by planners.
The new plan still seeks to convert the hut into a kiosk selling drinks and snacks, but crucially for some, does not include the public shelter as part of the business.
The proposed opening hours are from 9am-11pm from Sunday to Thursday, and from 9am-3am on Fridays and Saturdays.
A number of shopowners and residents from the area held their hands up against the scheme saying that the lower promenade area was best left alone.
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Others, however, argued that while the food and drink shop was not necessary, the hut and shelter could be improved or demolished altogether.
Tracey Kelly, who sells ice-cream nearby, said she was not swayed by the changes and that people were already adding their names to a new petition. She added that she was “frustrated” by the saga when the majority of people did not want it.
“Gorleston is beautiful, untouched and a haven for families and people who spend time there because they like the way it is,” she said, adding that locals were keen to take on and fund a renovation project themselves.
The public have until February 12, to give their views to the council after which time officers will have four weeks to decide whether to approve the stall.
One person adding to the two objections already sent to the council relating to the new application will be Philip Gunn, a member of the Gorleston Rotary Club.
He said: “The Rotary Club collected money to build the bandstand, which is beautiful and just nearby, six or seven years ago.
“Though I have no problem with Mr Formosa - I wish him the best of luck - I hope that the council consider the fact that we want to keep this place beautiful.”
He added: “The shelter should be demolished and more benches should be put along the parade.”
Mr Formosa declined to comment.
