A coastal community is facing its 'biggest ever challenge' after the loss of its lookout tower, a local councillor has said.

James Bensly, borough and county councillor for Hemsby, was speaking after Winterton Coast Watch abandoned its plans to build an observation post north of the village's carpark.

The charity, which has disbanded, said it was impossible to continue because of "endless requests" from planners for surveys of the area, as well as the speed of coastal erosion there. 

Mr Bensly said: "It's going to be a massive loss. As a community I don't think we've ever had a challenge like this before.

"There's always been a watchtower there," he added.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Roger Rolph, Winterton Coast Watch manager at the old lookout tower before it was removed in March 2022 because of coastal erosion. Picture: Newsquest.Roger Rolph, Winterton Coast Watch manager at the old lookout tower before it was removed in March 2022 because of coastal erosion. Picture: Newsquest.

The proposed site for the tower was in the Winterton-Horsey Dunes Special Area of Conservation and the Winterton-Horsey Dunes Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

A spokesperson for Great Yarmouth Borough Council said: “It is unfortunate that the Coast Watch have decided to withdraw their application. 

"We will always do our best to offer advice and guidance but Planning Officers are required to take into account special designations and characteristics of an area. 

"In this instance the protected habitat meant that we had to apply a series of tests (immaterial of the applicant or how worthy the cause). 

"We do appreciate the charity’s frustration and are disappointed that they feel the Planning Officers acted unreasonably," the spokesperson added.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: An aerial picture showing coastal erosion between Hemsby and Winterton. Picture: Mike Page.An aerial picture showing coastal erosion between Hemsby and Winterton. Picture: Mike Page. (Image: Archant)

Mr Bensly said there are now plans to put up at least five signs warning people of the dangers of the sea and the dunes in the area.

"It's heartbreaking. I've grown up with that tower being there. It provided a blanket of safety," he said. 

"I feel sorry for the volunteers because they love it, their hearts were in it.

"They had a sixth sense for when people were in danger at the beach."