Councillor calls Happisburgh locals Nimbys in car park row

Plans to build a new car park in Happisburgh with an access road off Lighthouse Lane were approved by North Norfolk District Council last month.

But Andrew Brown, the council’s portfolio holder for planning and enforcement, has now called villagers who opposed the plans “Lighthouse Lane Nimbys”.

Andrew Brown, North Norfolk District Council's portfolio holder for planning and enforcement (Image: NNDC)

The acronym stands for 'Not In My Back Yard' and is used to characterise people who object to changes where they live. 

In an email seen by this newspaper, Mr Brown said to two other councillors and the Liberal Democrats Councillors Group: “Yes right decision for Happisburgh, Lighthouse Lane nimbies need to wake up to fact we have a district wide duty to consider.”

The email sent from Andrew Brown (Image: Supplied)

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Happisburgh parish councillor Elaine Batt, who lives in Lighthouse Lane, said Mr Brown should see the situation in the village for himself before criticising local residents.  

"There are councillors who have commented and voted without any idea of the sheer volume of traffic going to the current car park via Beach Road," she said. 

Happisburgh in February 2024 (Image: Mike Page)

"In the summer we get up to 200 cars going up and down Beach Road each day.

"Lighthouse Lane is a single lane road with very little room for anything to pass.

"We already have to dive into driveways to get out of the way of traffic in Lighthouse Lane. In the height of the season it’s going to be gridlocked.

"It has been rushed through because they [the council] are panicking as the entrance to the current car park is depleting by the day. 

"The volume of traffic and people’s safety has not been considered at all. 

"I think he needs to come and observe the situation for himself."

Mr Brown was asked to comment and did not reply.