Old Hunstanton neighbour plan referendum date announced

Villagers in Old Hunstanton will go to the polls on Thursday, February 8, to vote on whether to adopt a draft neighbourhood plan.

It stipulates new developments will only be allowed if they are to be principal residences, where people live full-time.

Some 125 of the 349 properties in the village are registered as second homes. There are also believed to be 60 holiday lets.

The draft plan says: "Even second home owners in Old Hunstanton feel that the number of second homes and holiday lets is jeopardising the village community, a case of killing the goose that lays the golden egg.

"The worry is that the community cannot thrive if the number of permanent residents becomes too low."

A woman walks along the dunes at Old Hunstanton (Image: Ian Burt)

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More than 50pc of voters will need to support the plan for it to become adopted.

If they do, the borough council will have to follow the verdict when it decides on planning applications.

Some 55pc of respondents to a parish questionnaire about the plan were in favour of the new restriction, 28pc against and 17pc said they had no opinion.

Some 125 of the 349 properties in the village are registered as second homes. There are also believed to be 60 holiday lets. (Image: Ian Burt)

If Old Hunstanton's plan is passed, it will see curbs in force along an almost unbroken 30 miles of the Norfolk coast stretching from Heacham to Blakeney.

Voting will take place at Old Hunstanton Village Hall, between 7am and 10pm on February 8, with the result announced after a count the following day.

All adults aged 18 or over who are registered to vote can take part. Voters should remember that they will need to present photo ID.