IT could be as long as a year before a decision on whether to re-open a footpath between Winterton and Hemsby is finalised.
In autumn, following an appeal, a planning inspector directed Norfolk County Council to modify the definitive map of paths to add two routes, part of which went across the Winterton Valley Estate between the chalets and the dunes.
Campaigners were delighted and the council made the order earlier this year. But there have been objections, which means the ruling has been referred back to the Planning Inspectorate, Cllr Marina Carr told colleagues at the April parish council meeting.
Councillors heard a backlog of work meant it could be up to a year before the case is dealt with. The normal timescale is about three months.
Becky Durant, one of the campaigners told the newsletter part of their application, linking the
end of the Holway past the chicken farm to Bush Road, had been confirmed. But the section crossing the estate was what was going back to the inspectorate. The body had the power to confirm the decision after reading all the case documents or it could opt to hold a public inquiry.
She said: “I am still very optimistic. We stand a good chance and also, we are definitely heading towards a decision.”
A bid to reopen the route was started after it was blocked suddenly more than five years ago at a cut through from the estate to Long Beach Road, meaning people have to go through the dunes to get to Hemsby or risk walking in the road.
