23 homes in Walcott set for approval despite coastal erosion

North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) officials have recommended that 23 affordable homes be built on farmland on the edge of Walcott, a small village between Bacton and Happisburgh.  

The proposal comes despite the properties being within just 150 metres of the coast, in an area which has seen significant erosion. 

Plans for the Ostend Road Walcott site (Image: Flagship Homes) (Image: Flagship Homes)

Large sections of the cliffs at Happisburgh have collapsed into the sea in recent weeks because of tidal conditions and strong winds. 

The erosion there has been so bad the beach can currently only be accessed via Cart Gap to the south or Walcott to the north. 

As of December, some 34 homes in Happisburgh have fallen into the sea in the last 20 years. 

The site in Walcott proposed for new homes (Image: Maurice Gray)

But officials at NNDC insist the new properties in Walcott are at no immediate risk. 

They said the coastal partnership team, which helps advise councils, have raised no objections to the plans because all the homes fall outside the most at-risk area. 

However, NNDC officers admit that the corner of one of the property’s car parking spaces is at risk by the year 2105. 

They said: “It is considered the proposal would not result in increased risk to life or significant increase in risk to property.” 

Norfolk County Council Highways Authority has objected to the plans, arguing they would result in an "unsustainable development", overly reliant on using cars to access services in neighbouring villages. 

But NNDC officials dismissed their concerns, saying it would not lead to an “unacceptable impact upon highway safety”. 

They also argue the plans would bring economic benefits through job creation, it would secure more much-needed affordable housing and provide open space for those living in the area.