More masonry has fallen from a coastal landmark which is all that remains of a once bustling harbour.

The hole in the side of the Coal Barn at Thornham Harbour, near Hunstanton, has grown considerably in recent weeks.

Bricks and rubble are piled up beside the harbour, part of which has been fenced off for safety reasons due to the worsening state of the building.

The hole in the side of the Coal Barn pictured in AugustThe hole in the side of the Coal Barn pictured in August (Image: Chris Bishop) The hole in the side of the Coal Barn has now grown considerablyThe hole in the side of the Coal Barn has now grown considerably (Image: Chris Bishop)

A large area of the inner wall, made of breeze blocks, has now been exposed to the elements with winter on its way to the coast.

The building's owners are understood to have told Thornham Parish Council they intend to have remedial works carried out.

Parish councillors are due to receive an update when they meet next week.

Rubble which has fallen from the Coal Barn piled up beside the harbour at ThornhamRubble which has fallen from the Coal Barn piled up beside the harbour at Thornham (Image: Chris Bishop)

The large hole which has appeared in the side of the Coal Barn at Thornham HarbourThe large hole which has appeared in the side of the Coal Barn at Thornham Harbour (Image: Chris Bishop) Concerns about the structure were first raised in April. West Norfolk council said villagers had been referred to CNC Building Control, which deals with building control issues on behalf of councils in Norfolk, including dangerous structures.

Its powers include making buildings safe and charging the owner for the work carried out.

The 18th century Coal Barn is almost all that remains of Thornham's once busy harbour, which was also home to a windmill and a granary.

The Coal Barn pictured a decade ago (Image: Chris Bishop) The Coal Barn at Thornham HarbourThe Coal Barn at Thornham Harbour (Image: Chris Bishop) It was used to store coal brought by ships from the north-east collieries until the early 20th century, when it became cheaper to deliver fuel by rail.

Local legend has it the building was also used to store smugglers' booty.

Plans to turn the Coal Barn into an art studio were given the go-ahead by West Norfolk Council in 2007, but the scheme did not materialise.

In 2014, plans to turn the building into a house were turned down because the property was at risk from flooding.