An amended planning brief “The Golden Mile Opportunity” is to be placed before the Great Yarmouth Borough Council’s Cabinet on 21 February.

The Local Development Framework (LDF) working party felt the brief should be appealing to as many people as possible and did not want the document, at this draft stage, to be over prescriptive and deter any potential developers from submitting a proposal. Although there has been a great deal of interest in the redevelopment opportunity, it was thought that the original wording in relation to the Marina Centre might limit interest in a redevelopment scheme.

Councillor Barry Stone, Cabinet Member (Property, Development and Regeneration) added his reassurances to the public that any changes to the planning brief did not detract from the Council’s commitment to leisure facilities within the Borough.

“The statement recently issued by the Leader of the Council, Cllr Barry Coleman has confirmed the Council’s support of leisure facilities within the Borough” said Councillor Barry Stone “However, we are open-minded and are willing to consider all plans that will improve leisure within the Borough, whether they are for one large centre or several smaller facilities. We are now interested in the local community’s views as well as those of the business community and the development industry”.

The recommended changes to the draft brief have not altered the aims and objectives of the document but should now encourage proposals from a wider field of interest.

The planning brief has been prepared for consultation purposes. It was stated that comments received may result in changes being made to the brief.

The brief will go out to a 6 week consultation period after being presented to Cabinet.

Further information contact Peter Warner, Head of Planning and Development 01493 846104 or email pcw@great-yarmouth.gov.uk.