Beach parking row ends with paid permit plan

A new parking permit scheme for villagers has been launched at a Norfolk beauty spot following a long-running row.

Last year, Heacham villagers were told by the Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk it was significantly increasing the price of annual permits to £121.60 to use the village's North and South Beach car parks.

After residents complained, the council said they could have an hour's free parking from April when charges were going up - but car park machines could not be adapted - so an annual permit costing £65.30 is being introduced instead.

Villager Nicky Bailey said the compromise was disappointing and claimed some locals may no longer be able to afford to visit the beach.

When plans were initially made to increase the price of parking permits from £58.10 for eight months at Heacham in April 2025, a petition was organised asking the council to reconsider.

The council said the charges needed to be brought in line with its other car parks.

Although a scheme to offer one hour's free parking was planned, it proved difficult to implement.

Instead an annual permit, which the council said was being offered at a reduced price, was now being offered.

Deputy council leader Simon Ring said: "For £1.26 per week they can now have 24/7 parking, all year-round.

"Anyone who has already paid the higher price will be eligible for a refund."

He also claimed the deal was "highly favourable" in comparison to elsewhere in the borough - and "only to residents of Heacham".

Ring said the council had always planned to charge for an annual permit even if the one hour's free parking scheme had been possible.

Bailey, who had started last year's petition, said she had been repeatedly told by the council the free hour scheme would be introduced.

She said: "Most residents simply wanted the council to deliver what had been promised and, if circumstances had changed, to explain openly why.

"Instead, many are left disappointed that, after 14 months of assurances, the free hour of parking that villagers had been led to expect will not be provided."

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