Relocation of Happisburgh car park progresses

Date published: 21st February 2025

North Norfolk District Council via the Coastwise scheme is progressing work on the replacement of the car park in Happisburgh. Planning permission was granted last year for the relocation of the Happisburgh car park from its existing site to a location just off Lighthouse Lane.

Happisburgh has had a car park for many years. The original car park was moved to its current location in 2011 through the Pathfinder scheme after it was lost due to erosion.

Coastwise previously funded work to enable continued access via the existing entrance to the car park as coastal erosion progressed. This was done, with the kind cooperation of a neighbouring property owner, by extending the entrance using part of their garden.

This continued access has extended the life of the car park in its current form. However, this is only a temporary solution; as further cliff is lost, this entrance will become unsafe for vehicle access.

Planning permission was granted for the replacement car park, and the land purchase is near completion. Happisburgh Parish Council identified the new site and obtained planning consent. Work is now being done to seek a construction contractor for the replacement car park.

Happisburgh Car Park Plan

The construction work will include decommissioning the existing car park and entrance, reclamation and reuse of materials where feasible, construction for the new entrance, highway improvements, construction of the car park, installation of necessary signage, and planting of landscaping.

The current lease is also being refreshed with the Happisburgh Parish Council to maintain their management of the replacement car park as they did with the existing car park.

The current car park and associated community infrastructure have been successfully managed for many years by the Parish Council. This has allowed them to invest in local infrastructure, support local jobs, and set aside funds to support future coastal transition. In the long term, the Parish Council will continue to enable funds to be directed towards local projects to support the vitality of the community and also continue to raise funds to support local coastal erosion transition and management.

Cllr Harry Blathwayt, portfolio holder for Coast, said:

"I would like to add my thanks to the residents of Happisburgh for their pragmatic help, the Parish Councillors for their energy and the Coastwise team for keeping this scheme on track. I have no doubt that the future benefits to Happisburgh will prove this project a success."

This project is funded by Defra as part of the £200 million Flood and Coastal Innovation Programmes, which is managed by the Environment Agency. The programmes will drive innovation in flood and coastal resilience and adaptation to a changing climate.

Find out more about the Coastwise project at www.north-norfolk.gov.uk/coastwise