Brancaster Boardwalk - DIVERSION

Norfolk Coast Path "Brancaster FP5" CLOSED

What are we telling you about?

Work to repair a section of boardwalk started on 23 October 2023 along the Norfolk Coast Path at Brancaster (Footpath 5), between Harbour Way and Butchers Drove.
This is a large-scale infrastructure project and work is expected to finish early March 2024, weather permitting. Due to the nature of the work it will be necessary for this section of the Coast Path to remain closed while work is underway.

Work will involve complete replacement of the existing boardwalk using long-lasting glass reinforced plastic (GRP) materials, and installation of an aggregate path at the beginning and end of the new boardwalk. GRP is a strong, durable and weather-resistant material which will have a significantly longer lifespan than the current wooden structure.

The new boardwalk will be 1500 mm wide with passing places, rest stops and viewpoints, and should remain in a good condition for more than 80 years. Once complete, the project will allow far more people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the wildlife and scenery of the Norfolk Coast Path and Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
While this section of the Coast Path is temporarily closed there will be a temporary diversion route in place along footpaths, pavements and quiet country lanes.

We thank people for their patience while the work along this section of the Coast Path is underway.

Activity Log

16/01/2024 As of 16 January 2024 contractors have installed 1027m of the main boardwalk.
18/12/2023 As of 18 December 2023 contractors have installed 611m of the main boardwalk.
21/11/2023 National Trail team have been successful in securing £336,869.97 from Natural England toward the boardwalk.
20/11/2023 As of 20 November 2023 contractors have installed 320m of the main boardwalk.
01/11/2023 Brancaster Boardwalk Information Evening held at Brancaster Village Hall
23/10/2023 Boardwalk replacement work started
17/10/2023 Brancaster Boardwalk Information Evening to be held at Brancaster Village Hall on Wednesday 1 November 6pm-8pm
09/10/2023 Boardwalk replacement works scheduled to start 23 October 2023
09/10/2023 Tree and vegetation work scheduled to start
27/09/2023 Planning permission granted from Borough of King's Lynn and West Norfolk
18/09/2023 Granted consent from Historic England regarding the Schedule Ancient Monument
15/09/2023 Granted assent from Natural England for works in the Protected Landscape SSSI
17/08/2023 National Trust regarding National Trust Act 23/29 statement that DEFRA consent not required for works received
02/08/2023 Schedule Ancient Monument consent to Historic England submitted
31/07/2023 National Trust Act Section 23/29 consent to National Trust submitted
24/07/2023 Planning Application is now live. Ref: 23/01326/FM
(https://online.west-norfolk.gov.uk/online-applications/)
07/07/2023 Protected Landscape SSSI Assent to Natural England submitted
07/07/2023 Planning permission submitted to Borough Council of King's Lynn & West Norfolk
23/06/2023 Plura Innovation Ltd bench technical drawing review meeting
21/06/2023 Received consent form for National Trust Act Section 23/29 consent
09/06/2023 Boardwalk Information Pack emailed out and available for request
08/06/2023 National Trust Act section 23/29 consent process request
08/06/2023 Received provisional risk assessments and method statements from Plura Innovation Ltd
07/06/2023 CAD design review with Plura Innovation Ltd
05/06/2023 Environment Agency response to Flood Risk Activity Permit (FRAP) enquiry agreeing work (aggregate path)
02/06/2023 Topographical Survey Completed
03/05/2023 Flood Risk Activity Permit (FRAP) enquiry submitted with Environment Agency (aggregate path)
26/05/2023 Environment Agency response to Flood Risk Activity Permit (FRAP) enquiry agreeing work (boardwalk)
22/05/2023 Planning Application begun
18/05/2023 Meeting with National Trust
16/04/2023 Kings Lynn & West Norfolk Borough Council planning advice update request
03/05/2023 Flood Risk Activity Permit (FRAP) enquiry submitted with Environment Agency (boardwalk)
01/05/2023 Aggregate path specification quote pack produced
28/04/2023 Plura Innovations Ltd begins boardwalk production in UK factory
25/04/2023 Kings Lynn & West Norfolk Borough Council planning advice sought
18/04/2023 Community engagement drop-in event
11/04/2023 Site meeting with awarded contractor Plura Innovations Ltd
28/03/2023 Community engagement planning
27/03/2023 Contractor awarded for boardwalk replacement
08/03/2023 - 20/03/2023 Tender process for boardwalk replacement
27/03/2023 - 31/03/2023 Options appraisal
03/02/2023 - 20/02/2023 Materials research (based on stakeholder/ecological guidance)
02/02/2023 Environment team meeting update & next actions
20/01/2023 Site meeting with Natural England & National Trust.
21/12/2022 Site meeting with Historic England.
09/12/2022 Public Information Notice released and stakeholders notified.
08/12/2022 Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TTRO) notices and diversion signage installed.
05/12/2022 Notification letter regarding extension of closure sent.
10/11/2022 - 05/12/2022 Planning & feasibility.
10/11/2022 Environment team meeting to discuss findings and plan of action.
08/11/2022 Audit of Brancaster FP5 undertaken to determine parameter of scheme.
13/10/2022 Decision to close long term and replace boardwalk in entirety agreed.
23/09/2022 Boardwalk inspection.
16/09/2022 Initial discussions with Natural England.
13/09/2022 Report of further deterioration of boardwalk.
15/06/2022 - 13/09/2022 Review of capital programme to allocate future funding.
15/06/2022 Closure of PROW / Boardwalk inspection / Planning of maintenance commenced.
13/06/2022 TTRO application submitted.
23/03/2022 - 13/06/2022 Calculating scope of maintenance and drawing up tender documents.
23/03/2022 Boardwalk inspection.