The Cromer Community Shed will create a new workshop on land at the former Cromer Sea Scouts site in Overstrand Road.

It will be used by the registered charity which has operated since 2020 from temporary, shared premises.

The decision marks a breakthrough for the charity after plans for a permanent base at North Lodge Park collapsed in 2024 when Cromer Town Council withdrew from the project over cost concerns.

In a social media post the charity said: “The journey to finding a permanent home for the Cromer Community Shed has been a long and challenging one, filled with years of searching, setbacks, and perseverance.”

Former Cromer Sea Scouts site (Image: Google Maps)

A planning document said the current arrangement has limitations, including difficulties with managing time and space while sharing with other organisations.

The proposed facility will be flexible and used for activities including woodworking, furniture restoration, metalworking and small electrical item repairs.

It will be open to adults, young people and people of all abilities and will be “a hub for people to meet and improve their social connections, their wellbeing and skill building”.

Layout of proposed shed (Image: MIKE LEE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES)

The design and access statement said: “Due to the success of ‘the Shed’ it has become essential to its long-term future to have its own premises in which to operate.

“A sense of identity will encourage new members, partners and supporters, all helping to provide a bright future for the organisation.”

The premises are expected to operate on the second and fourth Saturday of each month, from 10am until 1pm, but could increase over time.

Proposed elevations (Image: MIKE LEE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES)

Councillor Tim Adams said: “As a neighbouring ward member, I fully support this proposal, which will increase community facilities – and in turn address social isolation, loneliness and mental health challenges.

“It is of course rare to see such a proposal, and in this case, the provision of new community facilities should outweigh any minor policy constraints.”

The application has now been approved, allowing work on the outbuilding to proceed.