Pathfinder Projects
North Norfolk District Council
Council Offices
Holt Road
Cromer
Norfolk
NR27 9EN
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Removal/relocation of dwellings most imminently at risk
Removal/ relocation of dwellings most imminently at risk
Aims
Develop an equitable method for acquiring properties within the first SMP epoch in Beach Road Happisburgh and meeting the needs of their owners/occupiers.
Background
The Shoreline Management Plan predictions in Happisburgh have led to local householders being unable to sell their properties, residents and businesses being unable to raise money against them and unwilling to invest in premises which have such a short life; and a malaise that has had a detrimental impact on the whole community. NNDC commissioned an appraisal of the housing market to assess the extent of the SMP’s impact on Happisburgh.
The houses that are most imminently at risk of erosion are suffering from a lack of maintenance. Because of the uncertainty of coastal erosion, their owners have not been able to make decisions about their future.
There is not just a financial impact on these householders but a loss of freedom or choice and a reduction in their standard of living. In some cases these properties are barely habitable and they have begun to blight the wider cliff-top environment. The aim of this project is to enable these householders to be able to plan for their futures whilst taking the opportunity to enhance the local environment.
This project seeks to acquire and demolish the properties at risk in the first SMP Epoch (up to 2025) on Beach Road Happisburgh. The Council will seek to reach an equitable settlement with each property owner in accordance with an agreed methodology. The properties being considered for purchase and demolition are highlighted in the map of Beach Road.
Where an amicable arrangement is made, the properties will be acquired by NNDC and demolished. The rubble may be utilised for a new car park and new beach access ramp and the cleared sites will become part of the cliff-top enhancement scheme.
How and when is the project being delivered?
This project is being managed by the Coastal Management Team and the Project Officer is Peter Frew (Head of Coastal Strategy) and supported by Rob Goodliffe (Pathfinder Programme Manager). The Parish Council is playing a key role and has assisted in the setting up of the Happisburgh Liaison Group.
For more information please view the Project Initiation Document.
The project will develop as follows:
| Activity | Progress |
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| Develop project approach |
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| Initial contact with property owners |
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| Advertise for an independent property advisor |
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| Appraise and select property advisor through tendering system |
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| Brief property advisor |
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| Develop corporate property acquisitions policy |
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| Develop methodology for acquiring the properties and meeting the owners needs. |
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| Initial property assessments |
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| Detailed discussions with property owners |
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| Report to the Project Board of the outcomes of the discussions |
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| Developing amicable arrangements with property owners |
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| Implementing the agreed arrangements |
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| Site clearance/recycling of materials |
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| Site is incorporated into the Cliff top enhancement scheme. |
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| Report to Defra |
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How much money has been allocated to the project?
The pathfinder projects have been allocated budgets to enable them to be planned and proceed. These allocations may be amended as projects progress. The property acquisition for demolition project has been allocated £856,000.
How is the community involved?
Property Owners
Throughout this process the individual property owners will be involved. This will be through group and one – to – one meetings at key points in the process. It is essential that all meetings take into account the difficult circumstances the owners have been through and that negotiations are carried out in a compassionate manner.
Happisburgh Liason Group
The Parish Council have played an important role in setting up the Happisburgh Liaison Group. This group will help to keep local people informed, ensure the project is sensitive to local circumstances and identify any issues which may arise around site selection and design.
The group has agreed its terms of reference and the agendas and minutes from the meetings are available for you to view.
If you are part of the Happisburgh community and you have a query, issue or idea, you can either contact the liaison group or NNDC directly.
Events
Public open days will be arranged at key points in the project to enable the project team and liaison group to share information with residents to keep them updated. They will also be an opportunity to explore any issues or ideas around all the projects in Happisburgh.
January - March 2012
Demolition Information Sheet circulated to residents.
Tender for demolition contractor.
November/December 2011
Asbestos and ecological survey completed on Beach Road properties.
November 2011
Last property purchased on Beach Road, Happisburgh.
15 August 2011
A consultation in August provided information and gave the opportunity for people to comment on the proposed relocation site adjacent to the Primary School for the 9 properties in Beach Road that have been purchased due to coastal erosion. An information sheet and exhibition boards were displayed on the day.
16 Feb 2010
Group meeting with property owners - The owners of the properties were invited and attended a group meeting to be introduced to the project and the approach which is being taken. The owners were informed that at any point they could contact the Pathfinder Officers in the council to discuss the project or to request any information.
24 April 2010
Happisburgh Pathfinder Open Day - The aim of the day was to increase awareness of the projects amongst the wider community and to enable their views to inform the means by which they are implemented. The day also introduced the Happisburgh Liaison Group and their role within the projects. The day was a success with over 150 people attending. The displays of the day are available to view alongside the comments and feedback report.
30 April 2010
Letter to property owners informing them of the property advisor appointment.
5 May 2010
Initial meeting with Bruton Knowles – the appointed independent property advisor.
10 May 2010
Official contract start of Bruton Knowles
4 August
Meeting with property owners to discuss the proposed approach and the anticipated timescales.
6 September
Proposed approach was considered by Cabinet and recommended to Full Council for ratification following consideration and investigation of opinions presented by some community members.
22 September
Consideration deferred until the following meeting to allow time to further development and consideration of the approach.
24 September
Meeting between Officers, key Councillors, Reference Group and Happisburgh Liaison Group. The proposed approach and legal guidance was presented and the issues around the methodology were discussed.
14 October
Full Council consider the proposed approach for the acquisition of properties on Beach Road.
How can I keep informed of this project?
NNDC will keep the Parish Council up to date on progress with this project through the Happisburgh Liaison Group. We will also keep everyone informed by this website either on the project page or at the ‘Latest News’ section. We will also release press articles and we will request articles in the parish newsletter and local press. You can also subscribe for free to our Pathfinder Newsletter by sending a request to coastalmanagement@north-norfolk.gov.uk.
What other information is available?
For further information and documents about how the project is being delivered, please visit our 'Further Information' section.
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