The leader of a Norfolk council has insisted he is not "anti-tourist", despite his calls for holidaymakers to go elsewhere in the region.

West Norfolk Council's Terry Parish has said visitors should avoid established holiday hotspots like Hunstanton in favour of lesser-known locations.

Mr Parish is also an outspoken critic of second homes in the area and has called for tougher restrictions on them.

Eastern Daily Press: Councillor Terry parish, leader of West Norfolk CouncilCouncillor Terry parish, leader of West Norfolk Council (Image: West Norfolk Council)

He has previously spoken in favour of proposals to double second home owners' tax bills and for planning policies to be rewritten to block out-of-towners from purchasing new builds.

Richard Blunt, deputy leader of the Conservative group, challenged Mr Parish's views and questioned whether he supported a push for bringing more tourism to the district following his recent comments. 

READ MORE: Four-feet high obscenity removed from Hunstanton cliffs

Eastern Daily Press: Conservative councillor Richard BluntConservative councillor Richard Blunt (Image: Newsquest)

"Recently your portfolio holder for tourism stated we need to shout from the rooftops to boost our tourism" said Mr Blunt.

"I've heard some of your personal views so I'm not sure whether that is totally what you agree."

Eastern Daily Press: Hunstanton is well-known for its unique cliffsHunstanton is well-known for its unique cliffs (Image: Newsquest)

Despite his ardent opposition to the influx of second homes, Mr Parish was keen to distance himself from being "anti-tourist."

"Contrary to popular belief, I'm not against tourists but I am opposed to too many tourists in one location" he said.

"Too many in one place spoils it for everybody.

"What is the limit to ensure you balance the income generated but it doesn't make everyone go barmy? 

"We should encourage people to tour places they don't normally go."

Eastern Daily Press: Could Downham Market be marketed as the next big thing for tourists?Could Downham Market be marketed as the next big thing for tourists? (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Parish called for a strategy to be in place to divert people to other locations like King's Lynn or Downham Market to avoid places like Hunstanton becoming oversaturated with visitors.

The coastal town is one of the most popular destinations for tourists in the county.

They visit in their droves to take in the Victorian seaside charm with more than 45,000 people visiting annually.