Plans submitted for new library and flats at Hunstanton bus station

Plans have been submitted for a new library and dozens of homes on the site of Hunstanton's bus station.

The application, made by West Norfolk Council, comes amid a row over the provision of tourist information services in the resort, which town leaders say they believe are envisaged to go in the new building.

Documents submitted as part of the application say the scheme includes 49 apartments, as well as a new retail unit and public toilet block.

Papers prepared on the council's behalf said: "Their intention in developing the site is to deliver new market and affordable homes in an area of housing need and strong housing demand, and also deliver improved services and facilities to the residents of and visitors to Hunstanton."

Most of the flats are envisaged in a five-storey building which would stand on the junction of St Edmund's Terrace and Westgate.

It would also accommodate the proposed library, retail unit and public toilets.

Twelve apartments would then be housed across two separate two and a half storey buildings.

The application also includes the provision of 53 car parking spaces, while nine would be removed from the nearby Central public car park which stands next to the Princess Theatre.

Previous discussions have taken place about moving the interchange and library to a site in Valentine Road, though it is now currently envisaged that the existing stops will be moved onto St Edmund's Terrace to accommodate the development.

New shelters would be installed along the road.

The application was validated last Tuesday and public consultations will remain open until July 13.

Officials have indicated they currently hope to make a decision on the scheme by mid-September.