Understandably, the future of the old Pontins site in Hemsby, has long been the subject of debate in the village and across the borough. The 22-acre site is a long-term eyesore in the village, and I know how frustrated residents are at seeing the camp deteriorate over nearly a decade.

The owners of the site have now submitted a planning application to Great Yarmouth Borough Council, who will decide whether it will be approved. The application appears to be similar to the outline previously presented at the public meeting earlier in the year but without the retention and conversion of any holiday chalets. They plan for up to 190 properties, retail facilities and have allocated five acres for tourism use. Residents can view the full plans, by visiting Borough Council’s Planning Portal website and search for the application using the reference: 06\15\0441\0.

I have been consistent in my view that, if possible, the site should be retained for tourism use and therefore will be reviewing the application in detail and feeding into the consultation. I would strongly recommend that every resident who has a view, on either side of the debate, responds to the consultation. This can be done in several ways, but the quickest way is to use the council planning portal. You can also email plan@greatyarmouth.gov.uk, or write a letter addressed to Planning Department, Great Yarmouth Borough Council, Town Hall, Hall Plain, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 2QF