Permission to extend property at Heacham South Beach refused

Developers named in planning papers as Mr and Mrs Turner applied to extend their single storey property at Heacham South Beach by adding an extra floor containing a viewing area.

But West Norfolk Council has turned down the bid, because it would "increase the amount of habitable rooms to the property" which is in a flood risk zone, leading to an increase in the number of people at risk from flooding.

The council's emergency planning officer said: "By increasing the number of people at risk in this area it adds to the potential need of emergency responders putting themselves at unnecessary risk by carrying out hazardous rescues for any occupants trapped following a flood event."

Heacham South Beach, where plans to extend a property have been turned down because of flood risk (Image: Chris Bishop)

Heacham Parish Council also objected, warning: "South Beach has already had the flood defences compromised by residents digging through them putting this area at even higher risk for moderate flooding."

Nine objections were received from three parties. One said: "[The] proposed extension will increase the number of people accessing the beach over the flood bank causing damage to this structure."

Concerns were raised about the shingle ridge which protects thousands of holiday homes, chalets and caravans between Hunstanton and Wolferton last year, after the Environment Agency said the bank had moved inland.

Part of the shingle ridge protecting properties from the sea at Heacham (Image: Chris Bishop)

The area's shoreline management plan warns: "It may be difficult to hold the shingle ridge as a flood defence in the long term."

A report is expected soon outlining whether a so-called tipping point has been reached, meaning holding the line may need to be replaced by "managed realignment" - meaning relocating caravan sites inland away from the flood zone. 

People who own properties along the defences have been warned digging into the bank or placing items such as decking or steps against it can weaken the structure.