A bid for an upmarket fish takeaway that would serve alcohol in Norfolk's 'poshest village' looks to be dead in the water after the application was withdrawn amid uproar among locals.
The owner of Gurneys Fish Shop in Burnham Market, Mungo Gurney, had hoped to open a new premises next door to its existing unit overlooking the village green.
Members of the West Norfolk Council licensing committee were due to meet last week to decide its fate but the meeting was cancelled at the last minute and the application was withdrawn.
Gurneys Fish Shop in Burnham Market, situated in Market Street (Image: Newsquest)
It follows a backlash from villagers over plans for the business, which hopes to sell alcohol for consumption on or off the premises from 12 noon - 10pm, seven days a week.
The proposals had reeled in a string of objections from those living in the exclusive coastal community who feared it would bring disorder and mess to its twee village green.
The former cafe in Burnham Market which could become a takeaway with a drinks licence (Image: Chris Bishop)
Locals in 'Chelsea-on-Sea' - a moniker it has earned because of the number of well-heeled Londoners that live there - complained about the lack of seating provided, calling it an "open invitation" for the space to become a "glorified picnic area" and worried about the litter it would generate.
Despite Burnham Market being known as an upmarket destination predominantly inhabited by wealthy second homeowners, there were also fears the takeaway would become an attraction for "kids with radios blaring out".
There were fears the takeaway would cause problems on the Green (Image: Chris Bishop)
"It will ruin Burnham Market," one objector said.
One person defended the move, arguing their motivation behind supporting it was to prevent the empty premises from becoming derelict, as has happened to three other commercial units in the village's main street, Market Street.
Burnham market is known as Chelsea-on-Sea because of the number of Londoners with second homes there (Image: Matthew Usher)
"This does not project a good image of our village to visitors," they said.
Attempts have been made to approach the owner Mr Gurney for further information as to why the application was withdrawn.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel