MINUTES
COASTAL PATHFINDER PROGRAMME
REFERENCE GROUP
29 June 2012
10am Happisburgh
Present
Reference Group Members
Malcolm Kerby
Dan Corbett
Rob Wise
Rob Goodliffe
Brian Farrow
Sue Willis
NNDC Officers
Rob Young
The meeting was arranged to complete the Reference Groups involvement in the now
closed Pathfinder Programme. The meeting reflected on the successes and challenges
of the programme, the group’s involvement and considered any final lessons learnt.
Site Visit
The meeting began with a site visit to Happisburgh to look at the projects completed in this
location. The group walked from the new car park to the new ramp, to the site of the now
demolished Beach Road properties, across the cliff top field to the old car park, then to the
location of the now demolished RNLI building and finally to inspect the new public lavatories.
The group discussed points along the way and asked for more information on the ‘finishing’
touches.
Overall the group felt that the Pathfinder Programme had achieved its main objectives but it is
recognised that further initiatives will be required in the future for this settlement and other
coastal areas.
The group then left Happisburgh and reconvened for a meeting to reflect over the whole
programme.
Meeting
There were mixed feeling in the group as to how much influence the group had had over the
programme. It was remembered that the group was set up as a critical friend and that it was
not the decision making body. The group felt that if such a group was created again, a more
formal link with the project board would be beneficial, potentially meeting with the board at key
points to convey opinion and ideas. From an officer perspective the group did function as
intended, it provided a check point for decisions and methodologies. If approaches could not
be justified to the group who were all external to the Council and had detailed knowledge of
coastal issues, how could they be brought forward successfully within communities?
Pathfinder Reference Group
1
02 December 2011
Overall it was felt that it was successful programme which has set down examples of what can
be achieved and this is now recorded and can be gone back to as an when required.
It was thought by some that some of the planning officers should have been involved more in
the development stages; this would have ensured a greater coastal understanding when it
came to rollback proposals. It was felt that planning on the coast should be more proactive
rather than reactive; this would prevent some of the issues taking hold.
The group considered that it is important to remember that the coastline is volatile, things
happen which can not be expected and can not be pre defined. Therefore the coast needs to
be monitored and the management solutions need to be adaptable and flexible. Within the
flexibility there should also be forward planning for settlements.
There always needs to be some funding for adaptation, suitable sources need to be found.
It is important that the lessons form Pathfinder and coastal issues are not lost in the future and
that they should be brought forward to the government’s attention at the right time in the right
place for a positive response.
Thanks were expressed from the Reference Group members to the officers for their
input into the delivery of the Programme.
Officers expressed their appreciation and gratitude to all the time, thought and effort the
Reference Group members have put into the Pathfinder, as without their input the
outcomes may have been quite different.
It was agreed by all that Team North Norfolk was essential and is key to a strong and
joined up way forward.
Pathfinder Reference Group
2
02 December 2011