Work to begin next week on Happisburgh car park replacement
New car park will address safety and erosion issues in the coastal village
Last updated 27th Jan 2026
Construction work on a new car park in Happisburgh is set to begin next week as part of efforts to address safety concerns caused by coastal erosion.
North Norfolk District Council, through the Coastwise scheme, will start initial works during the week commencing 26th January 2026 to set up welfare spaces and install fencing around the site. Groundwork for the car park is due to begin the following week.
The new car park will be located just off Lighthouse Lane and will replace the current facility, which was last moved to its existing location in 2011 after losing its former site to erosion. The existing car park will remain operational for as long as possible during the construction process, ensuring minimal disruption.
Over the years, the Coastwise scheme has funded efforts to maintain access to the current car park despite erosion challenges. However, North Norfolk District Council confirmed that access will eventually become unsafe, and the relocation is necessary to ensure continued use.
The construction work will include dismantling the existing car park and entrance, highway improvements, building the new facility, installing signage, landscaping, and reusing materials wherever possible.
Speaking about the project, Cllr Harry Blathwayt, portfolio holder for Coast, said:
"I am pleased this work is being carried out now as a timely intervention prior to the erosion that will make access to the existing car park too difficult. The Parish Council deserve praise for their foresight in helping make this happen for the benefit of the parishioners and visitors of Happisburgh."
Happisburgh Parish Council has managed the current car park since its relocation in 2011, using its revenues to invest in community infrastructure and support local coastal management efforts. The council plans to continue directing funds towards similar projects following the completion of the new car park.
Funding for the project has come from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) through the £200 million Flood and Coastal Innovation Programmes managed by the Environment Agency. These schemes aim to drive innovation and resilience in response to the challenges posed by a changing climate.
Further information about the Coastwise project can be found on the North Norfolk District Council website at www.north-norfolk.gov.uk/coastwise