The National Trust is sticking to its guns despite hundreds of objections to its "abhorrent" plans for a visitor centre at a remote Norfolk harbour.

The under-fire charity has applied to build the development at Morston, near Holt, claiming it will provide visitors and staff with more modern facilities.

But its planning application has been met by a flood of protest, including from Morston Parish Council, which says the NT's arguments in favour of the new facility are "spurious" and its sole aim is to commercialise the harbour.

"There are no benefits to the residents of Morston from this plan," it adds.

"Almost everything about this proposal is abhorrent. It is the wrong building, in the wrong place for the wrong purpose."

Hundreds more have lodged objections on North Norfolk Council's planning portal.

But in a statement, the NT said it would press on with the application.

"The National Trust is not withdrawing its proposals to provide visitors to Morston Quay with adequate and accessible toilet facilities," it said. 

"We are proceeding as planned with the planning application to replace the existing toilet facilities with a new single-storey toilet block, which would include a small welfare and office space for staff and volunteers, as well as other improvements to the accessibility of footpaths and the surface of the car park."

The parish council has also accused the NT of developing the site on "an ad hoc basis" without planning approval. It has put up fencing, erected dozens of signs and notices and added multiple picnic tables.

It adds: "This has had a significantly detrimental effect on the wild and unspoilt aspect of the Quay, but is reversible and of course, should be reversed."

The NT's statement added: "There are no plans to remove the 17 picnic tables that provide seating in the small grass area immediately surrounding the café and Lookout Building."