NNDC to buy and refurbish Cromer Old Station Building

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The Issue

Many thanks are due to Di Lindsay and Cromer in Bloom for doing their bit to improve the environment around Cromer Station. However the elephant in the room is that Morrison's have allowed the Old Station Building to deteriorate to a shocking state. It is not acceptable that this is the first thing that visitors see when they arrive in Cromer. This has been the situation for many years and it is time that something was done about it.

This petition challenges North Norfolk District Council to address this problem by using a Compulsory Purchase Order to buy the Old Station Building (as they did for Shannocks in Sheringham) and then refurbish it either for community or commercial use.

avatar of the starter
Mike BossinghamPetition Starter
Media enquiries

The Decision Makers

Cllr Tim Adams
Cllr Tim Adams
Leader of North Norfolk District Council
Responded
“Thank you to everyone who has signed this petition. I understand the intentions of the petition and I am entirely sympathetic with them, having been involved with this building for some time now. We have been working to put pressure on both Morrisons and Greene King over this site for some years now. I can say this from both a Town Council and District Council perspective. Previously, I have personally tried to get the building listed for its architectural merit. Sadly, we are still some way away from Victorian architecture being truly appreciated, but there are some very fine features of this building including the ornate ironwork at the entrance. There are few examples where this sort of decorative feature are in the original positions with most having been removed and taken elsewhere. The contribution this building could and should make towards the entrance to the Town is certainly understood by the Councils and we will continue to push for the retention of the building. In the weeks before to this petition, we have been in frequent dialogue with the agents for the property in respect of clearing up the frontage, repairing rainwater goods at the rear, removing overgrowth and graffiti. They have already committed to undertaking these tasks and we will be chasing. In respect of the request for us to start the compulsory purchase process, whilst I understand why people have come to this conclusion, it is not at all realistic at this time. There is currently real commercial interest in the building that needs to be explored fully and I am supportive of this building finding a new commercial or residential use. I do appreciate that previous opportunities for the building to be reused have been overlooked by the owners of the building. There is an existing lease in place that is advantageous to the owner, and it is likely that the freehold owner would say that a compulsory purchase was significantly detrimental to them. Given the time the CPO process would take, and legal fees involved, taking into account the current commercial interest in the building, it is actually likely the costs of compensation to the owners would be far more than the building is actually worth at this time. We frequently review this matter and will remain in contact with all relevant parties, so it is possible our position on this matter may change in future. Whilst I am under no illusions this will all take some time, I am still confident the building will find another use one day given the confidence of businesses to invest in the Town. I remain hopeful that this can be realised soon. You would be most welcome to get in touch directly for an up to date position in the weeks and months ahead. My contact details are publicly available. Thank you for taking the time to sign this petition.”

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Petition created on 14 May 2022