Broads Planners and Tourism Chiefs put their Heads Together
Movers and shakers of the Broads tourism industry and Broads Authority planners put their heads together on Thursday October 15th in a brain-storming exercise designed to help both parties understand each others’ point of view on new developments.
The Broads Authority hosted a “Planning for Real” style event at the Authority’s headquarters at Dragonfly House at which Broads Tourism Forum members came up with hypothetical schemes to develop two sites – the derelict former Broads Hotel in Station Road, Hoveton, and the former Bridge Hotel at Potter Heigham which was burned down many years ago.
Each group had to consider how to develop each site within the various constraints such as access, flood risk and nature conservation. They also had to think about issues such as design, materials and the character of the area and its surroundings. Later each group took turns to assume the role of planners and of local community members and commented on the various schemes being proposed.
Andrea Long, Broads Authority’s Director of Planning and Strategy said: “These were very different sites. There were some big differences of opinion over what might be considered suitable for the Potter Heigham site but with the Hoveton hotel there was more consensus.”
Simon Egan, co-founder of Bewilderwood, said: “This event has helped us understand the planning process. It’s clear that the planning process has become more open.”
Louise Rout of Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden said the day had been “positive and helpful” as they were considering applying to replace an old boathouse with a waterside classroom.
“We’re asking the planners what they would like to see and then we will have to weigh up if we can afford the scheme and look at funding,” she said.
Chairman of the Planning Committee, Candy Sheridan, emphasised that the Broads Authority was one of the few authorities which still gave free pre-application advice.
“You don’t have to spend any money at all to come and talk to a planning officer. It’s best to get them involved at an early stage with your plans,” she said. “Don’t send your planning application straight into committee and expect it to be approved without consulting with a planning officer first.”
16/10/09
