Holiday home variation bid at former Pontins at Hemsby

Published:
3:47 PM February 1, 2022

A bid to allow holiday units taking shape on the former Pontins site in Hemsby to be occupied year-round is in the hands of planners.

Developers behind The Pines say there is no need for a 17 day break from January 14 to February 1 to allow for “maintenance” on holiday properties that are as well made as permanent homes on the site.

Flashback: The former Pontins holiday camp in Hemsby which was empty for more than a decade before developers came along with a mixed use scheme.
– Credit: Nick Butcher

Permission was granted by Great Yarmouth Borough Council in July 2021 for the mixed use development, converting chalet buildings into 188 homes and 88 holiday units and caravans.

A condition restricting occupancy of the holiday homes was imposed “to enable maintenance/renovations of the units and for the local planning authority to retain control over the use of the units for holiday accommodation”.

Open plan living is a feature of some of the chalets at the former Pontins in Hemsby.
– Credit: Denise Bradley

However, applicant Graham Avery states removing the condition would allow maintenance to take place when needed, and the council would still control use under a planning condition.

Hemsby Parish Council has objected saying occupancy should be restricted to 11 months.

Borough council officers are recommending approval.

The issue will be debated at the February 2 borough council development control committee.