NORTH NORFOLK DISTRICT COUNCIL
HOLT ROAD CROMER NORFOLK NR27 9EN
Telephone 01263 513811
Fax 01263 515042
www.northnorfolk.org
16th April 2015
Dear Sir/Madam,
Cromer Shoal Chalk Beds – proposed MCZ
I am grateful for the opportunity to respond to the consultation on the proposed Marine
Conservation Areas; and in particular the proposal to designate the Cromer Shoal Chalk Beds
as an MCZ.
North Norfolk has a vibrant local economy which is heavily dependent upon tourism and
related hospitality industries, much of which in turn sees our outstanding coastal environment
as its principal asset. The District supports a small but vibrant inshore fishing fleet, supplying
crab, lobster and miscellaneous other seafood products to a local, national and (at a smaller
scale) international market. The brown crab is an icon of Cromer and the local crab and
lobster fishery is rightly proud of its role as custodian of the inshore marine environment.
North Norfolk District Council is the coast protection authority and planning authority and in
recent years has worked closely in partnership with many other agencies to develop and
implement an integrated approach to the management of probably the most dynamic coastline
in the country. Energy related industries, involved in the generation of electricity from
offshore renewables and the importation and storage of natural gas have a strong presence and
a major economic influence locally and present key opportunities for further development and
diversification of the local economy in the foreseeable future.
North Norfolk District Council owns and maintains a wide range of coast defences and other
coast protection, leisure and recreational assets (including Cromer Pier). Whilst it is not
anticipated that the proposals (as currently drafted) will unnecessarily constrain the Council’s
coastal activities or responsibilities, should the boundary of an MCZ, were it to be designated,
be brought further towards the shoreline (as postulated by other stakeholders – e.g. the
suggestion that it could be as close as fifty metres from mean low water mark) this would
place a potential constraint on the maintenance of the Council’s assets (particularly the
Cromer Pier).
I am delighted to note that the supporting documentation to the proposed MCZ for Cromer
Shoal Chalk Beds, does not seek to place any further restrictions on the current scope or scale
of activities taking place at this site. Indeed, the favourable condition and environmental value
of the identified site is taken, in particular, as an endorsement of the sustainability of current
and historical fishing practices locally. The recognition of the importance of this special
marine environment is therefore welcomed; however the Council would be extremely
concerned if the proposed designation were to curtail the current level of fishing activity, with
any consequential detrimental impact upon the local economy, cultural heritage or
characteristics of our vibrant coastal communities.
The North Norfolk FLAG was established (inter-alia) to support the sustainable local fishing
industry and related activities, and thus far the area has benefitted from over £1m of EFF
(FLAG) funding currently approved (with more remaining in the project pipeline). Both the
existing FLAG and NNDC are keenly interested in the emerging European Maritime and
Fisheries Fund (EMFF) programme. As a representative body of local fishing interests the
North Norfolk FLAG is due to respond to your consultation and I endorse the view set out in
their response (attached).
North Norfolk District Council is keen to see an appropriate balance struck between
conservation interests and economic activity – both of which can be considered to be equally
fragile but also interdependent. The Council is therefore keen to be engaged in any further
discussion on the designation of the proposed MCZ and in the definition of any management
measures or other matters relating to it, should the designation be confirmed. I should
therefore like you to keep my details on your database and to be included in any relevant
correspondence or consultations relating to this matter.
Yours faithfully
R F Young