The National Trust has hinted it may change tack over controversial plans for a new visitor centre at an unspoilt Norfolk harbour.

The NT has applied for planning permission to upgrade its facilities at Morston Quay, near Holt.

Its proposals include a single storey building housing replacement toilets, a new visitor welcome point, and a space for staff and volunteer welfare. 

But more than 400 objections have been received by North Norfolk council, while the parish council has labelled the proposed new building "abhorrent".

The NT has previously stuck to its guns, saying it does not intend to withdraw the application.

Looking down the harbour creek towards Morston (Image: Chris Bishop) But now a statement on its website says: "We are carefully reviewing all comments received on our planning application for improved visitor facilities at Morston Quay.

"Due consideration will be given to the detailed points that have been raised by statutory consultees, members of the local community, National Trust members, and others.

"We will confirm our next steps with the planning application once we have completed this process."

When asked whether this means it may withdraw or amend its proposals, an NT spokesman said: "We’ve recently received some additional comments and we’re reviewing those in addition to other ones we’ve already received.

"There’s not much more we can say at this stage."

Seal trip boats in the harbour at Morston  (Image: Chris Bishop) Locals fear the development is an attempt to commercialise the harbour.

The parish council said in its objection: "There are no benefits to the residents of Morston from this plan.

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

The debacle is the latest to embroil the NT over its management of sites it controls in Norfolk, after a row over hiking mooring charges at Brancaster Staithe and controversy over replacing a bridge on the marshes at Stiffkey.