Hunstanton Town Council is bringing together local councillors, water industry representatives, planning officers and environmental experts for an evening of discussion about the challenges facing our coastline.
The meeting, called Wash Water, will take place at Hunstanton Town Hall from 6.30pm until 8pm.
Although primarily arranged for parish councillors, members of the public are also welcome to attend.
And with coastal water quality, sea defences and future development all on the agenda, there should be plenty to talk about.
Water quality and the future of development
One of the key subjects will be the capacity of the Heacham water treatment plant and the implications this could have for future development in the surrounding area.
With new housing and other developments continuing to be discussed across West Norfolk, questions about whether existing infrastructure can cope have become increasingly important.
Stuart Ashworth, Assistant Director of Planning at the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk, will be joined by Jade Kite to discuss planning constraints linked to the treatment plant’s limited capacity.
They will also provide an update on recent coastal defence developments in Hunstanton.
What’s happening to our coastal waters?
The quality of bathing waters along the Norfolk coast will also feature prominently.
Councillor Sandra Squire, the borough council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, will look at the wider national picture surrounding coastal water quality.
Adam Worley, a coastal water quality expert from Anglian Water, will contribute to discussions about water quality and treatment capacity.
Heacham Ward Councillor Terry Parish will focus on local concerns, including the Heacham treatment plant, water quality and drinking water supplies.
The meeting will also benefit from the expertise of Professor Emeritus Tim Jickells from the University of East Anglia’s School of Environmental Sciences, who will provide independent environmental expertise during the discussions.
Why it matters locally
For communities along the coast, these are not simply technical questions.
Clean coastal waters are important for residents, visitors, wildlife and the local tourism economy.
Sea defences help protect homes, businesses and public spaces from flooding and erosion, while the capacity of water treatment infrastructure can influence where and how future development takes place.
Bringing the different organisations together offers an opportunity to explore how these issues are connected and what they could mean for towns and villages along our coastline.
Everyone welcome
The meeting has been organised by Councillor Robert Corby, Chair of Environment, and Councillor Mark Williamson, Mayor of Hunstanton.
It will take place on Thursday, October 22, from 6.30pm to 8pm at Hunstanton Town Hall.
The venue has a maximum capacity of 200 people.
Anyone wishing to find out more can contact Hunstanton Town Council by emailing clerk@hunstantontowncouncil.gov.uk.
With so many questions surrounding our coastline, water quality and the infrastructure needed to support local communities, the evening should provide an opportunity to hear directly from those involved.
After all, whether you live beside the sea, enjoy a walk along the beach or simply turn on the tap at home, water is something that affects every one of us.
