Flats plan submitted for site of Hunstanton's former railway station

Plans to build more than 30 flats on what was once the site of Hunstanton’s railway station have been submitted.

The release of details of the proposal for the Southend Road site comes as town councillors backed calls for them to provide financial backing to the campaign which is fighting to bring the railway back to the town.

But campaigners have indicated they don’t think the plan would halt their bid.

Thirty-two properties are envisaged in the scheme proposed by West Norfolk Council.

Documents submitted as part of the application said: “The closure of the railway in 1969 brought about the changes we see today.

“The Sandringham Hotel was demolished and replaced with the current Harlequin House and the former railway converted in to a large car park for the increasing number of visitors arriving by car.

“The 32 new apartments are aimed at smaller households and therefore would be ideal as either starter homes or for people looking to downsize helping to reduce the shortfall of homes available.”

Momentum has been growing in recent months behind a campaign to restore the Hunstanton to Lynn line.

Campaign sources have said the site of a potential future station would only be determined once a feasibility study was completed.

But town councillors backed a proposal for them to provide funding in principle to the restoration bid during a meeting last Thursday.

Members heard that a report had been prepared for the North West Norfolk MP, James Wild, to make the case to the Department for Transport for support.

And Andrew Jamieson said the progress that had been made so far was a “tremendous achievement.”

But Mike Ruston said the public should be asked to contribute, adding: “I don’t think the council should be making an in principle commitment at this point.”

Paul Rudd also called for other parish authorities to be asked to contribute.

However, Andrew Murray said they would be approached.

He added: “The borough are being approached and Norfolk County Council have so far been very generous in supporting the initial appraisal."