Go-ahead for homes on former Sedgeford tennis centre

West Norfolk councillors were originally recommended to refuse proposals to build seven new homes on the former Sedgeford Tennis Centre, near Hunstanton, due to the site being outside the boundary of the village and on land designated as countryside.

But the scheme - comprising four three-bed semi-detached and three five-bed detached properties - has now been given the go-ahead by officers under delegated powers. 

Sedgeford Parish Council supported the scheme. It said: "The proposed development would be a huge improvement on the existing disused site.

"These dangerous and unsightly buildings have regularly attracted vandalism and substance use, which is a cause of great concern for village residents. Police have been called on many occasions."

Seven villagers wrote in support of the plans, which were submitted by agent Ian Mason.

The entrance to the former tennis centre at Sedgeford (Image: Chris Bishop)

Jane Scott Moncrief said: "The derelict tennis centre seems to have become a den for drug users and vandals and the village would benefit from its removal."

John Cross added: "A vastly better use of this site than at present. Currently unattractive, redundant and vandalised. Seven new homes and families would be a much better prospect for the site and the village."

One objection was received on grounds of the impact the development would have on the area of outstanding natural beauty and nearby properties.

A planning statement said the tennis centre went out of business in 2011 following more than 20 years of use and the buildings had fallen into disrepair and become the target for anti-social behaviour.

It added: "The proposal for residential development is intended to bring a long-term financially viable solution for the site as an overall enhancement, replacing the span of large buildings which have an industrial appearance with more modest residential development, more befitting the location."