Natural England objects to National Trust plans for Morston

Anger is mounting over the NT's proposals for the development at Morston, near Holt.

Its planning application has been met by hundreds of objections, including a strongly-worded response from Morston Parish Council, which has labelled the proposals "abhorrent".

It says the NT's arguments in favour of the new facility are "spurious" and its aim is to commercialise the harbour.

Morston Harbour, where the National Trust hopes to build a new visitor centre (Image: Chris Bishop) Now Natural England has warned North Norfolk District Council it should not grant planning permission for the development because "it is not possible to ascertain that the proposal will not result in adverse effects" on nearby protected sites.

The NT says its proposals are intended to provide visitors and its staff with more modern facilities, not increase visitor numbers.

But Natural England says visitor numbers provided by the NT are figures compiled from surveys in 2015 and 2016 and more up to date information is needed.

It adds: "It is Natural England’s view that there is not enough evidence in the SHRA [shadow habitats regulations assessment] to suggest visitor numbers will not increase to an amount that could result in increased pressure to the North Norfolk Coast.

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

"There will be an increase in toilets, changing facilities, office space, and a visitor welcome area. Therefore this is an increase in overall provision and  not a like for like replacement of the existing toilets."

Morston Parish Council says the NT's plans will not benefit villagers.

The NT has so far stood its ground, insisting its plans are intended to replace outdated toilets with a new single-storey toilet block, which would include a small welfare and office space for staff and volunteers, along with footpath improvements.