Anger is mounting over an "abhorrent" bid to turn a wild Norfolk harbour into a visitor attraction.

The National Trust (NT) has applied to build a new visitor centre on Morston Quay, near Holt.

It says the new build will provide visitors, staff and volunteers with the facilities they need.

But more than 150 objections have now been submitted to North Norfolk District Council (NNDC), which will decide the plans.

The National Trust's proposed new visitor centre at MorstonThe National Trust's proposed new visitor centre at Morston (Image: National Trust)

The latest include Morston Parish Council, which says the NT's arguments in favour of the new facility are "spurious" and its sole aim is to commercialise the harbour.

"There are no benefits to the residents of Morston from this plan," it adds.

"Almost everything about this proposal is abhorrent. It is the wrong building, in the wrong place for the wrong purpose."

READ MORE: Why National Trust must re-think Morston development

The row over the NT's plans for Morston comes after the charity became embroiled in a dispute with locals at Brancaster, who accused it of trying to "monetise" the harbour there with new rules. 

The trust has also been at the centre of a long-running row over replacing a bridge on the marshes at Stiffkey.

WHAT DOES THE NATIONAL TRUST SAY?

The National Trust's existing building at MorstonThe National Trust's existing building at Morston (Image: Google)

The NT insists its plans are not about creating a new visitor centre or about making money, but providing visitors, staff and volunteers with the facilities they need.

They include a single storey building, housing replacement toilets, a new visitor welcome point, and a space for staff and volunteer welfare. 

But its planning statement says: "Through the provision of a new visitor welcome space that is more accessible and enables better orientation of the site, NT will be able to increase the existing second hand book offer that shares the space occupied by the current visitor welcome within the Lookout building.

Seal trip boats in the harbour at MorstonSeal trip boats in the harbour at Morston (Image: Chris Bishop)

"This current use provides valuable donations that help to fund the charity cause and conservation work on site and across North Norfolk and is an activity that NT want to increase to maximise the benefit they can achieve for conservation across the local area.

"The visibility and access issues associated with the existing visitor welcome results in fewer people visiting the place where the welcome team are based.

"This significantly impacts the NT’s opportunity to help with visitor enquiries or to engage with visitors about their charitable work."

WHY PARISH COUNCIL OBJECTS 

The harbour at MorstonThe harbour at Morston (Image: Newsquest)

"It has been stated throughout the planning process by the NT that the former toilets cannot be repurposed or redeveloped as part of new toilet provision. 

"However, the NT’s application makes it clear that the existing building can be adapted and reused.

"Our contention is that if the building can be reused as storage space, it can be redeveloped, enlarged and improved as a new toilet facility, including a changing places facility.

"This would be the most sustainable and environmentally friendly outcome for the site, would limit the damage caused by development, and would solve the need for new toilets.

The National Trust's existing building at MorstonThe National Trust's existing building at Morston (Image: Google)

"Instead, we have been presented with an enormous and unnecessary new development which will fundamentally change the character of Morston Quay and seems designed to create a full-time visitor and administrative hub for the National Trust as a priority, introducing office space and adding retail space, while also providing new toilets."

VILLAGERS' MOUNTING ANGER

Objectors, whose names are redacted by the district council's planning portal, have left withering comments.

One villager writes: "It promotes unnecessary over-development of what is one of the few relatively untouched places remaining along the coast.

"But perhaps what is most important is the sheer contempt with which the community has been treated throughout the process.

The unspoilt harbour at MorstonThe unspoilt harbour at Morston (Image: Newsquest)

"The Quay is not just a space for visitors from further afield but also for the local residents that live and work here."

Another local adds: "As a local resident I am horrified that our beloved Morston will potentially change into a NT base.

"There is absolutely no need for this huge development."

And another objector says: "Morston Quay and the marshes beyond are a precious natural resource which need protection, not exploitation.

"It is wild and beautiful and should not be regarded as an opportunity for the expansion of administrative facilities or opportunities for raising funds."

The National Trust's plans include improvements to the car park at MorstonThe National Trust's plans include improvements to the car park at Morston (Image: Google)

SUPPORT THIN ON THE GROUND

Just three supporting comments have been received.

One says: "A key factor in the design of this new building is to improve accessibility, particularly for those with multiple and complex disabilities."

Another adds: "There are many comments on the application which ask that the site is left as is. This ignores the needs of disabled people."