The results of a survey distributed across a Norfolk seaside town show that residents oppose plans to redevelop a lifeboat memorial site, however the district council says they will continue to explore the idea.
Questionnaires were circulated to addresses in Wells to find out what the community thinks about the North Norfolk District Council’s (NNDC) refined plans to build new offices and apartments on Beach Road.
The new plans, which no longer include shopping facilities or a restaurant, were revealed at the end of January after a previous survey found there was no interest in a large modern building and opposition to the relocation of a lifeboat memorial and public toilets.
More than 1,100 questionnaires were completed and returned and despite the district council making changes to their plans, there has been little change in public opinion.
The results show that 60pc of respondents feel the Eliza Adams Lifeboat Memorial should remain where it is and just 11pc said they would be prepared to consider a new location for the toilets.
The majority of people were also completely against a new building which could be used for retail, offices, apartments or hospitality.
Despite the objections, 595 responses or 50pc said they are prepared to consider some form of redevelopment on Beach Road. However, they were not given the opportunity to express what kind of development this may be.
Just 18pc said they would support the town council taking over management of the toilets in order to bring them up to “modern standards”.
The results have not deterred the NNDC, who said that they intend to continue to pursuing the redevelopment of the area.
“North Norfolk District Council remains of the view that the Wells toilet facilities are dated, do not meet the needs of the increasing numbers of visitors to the town - and need to be replaced,” said NNDC councillor Richard Price.
“In order to finance such work, the council announced last year that it was seeking to take a more commercial approach to the management of the Council’s land and property assets.
“We will continue to work with all interested parties to address the ambition of replacing the toilet facilities in Wells.”
To view the full results of the survey visit the Wells Town Council website.
MORE: Illustrations show council plans for Beach Road in Wells
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