Norfolk’s ‘shanty towns’: Locals fury as warning issued over pop-up holiday parks | Travel News | Travel
Norfolk is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination and is already a favourite of the Royal Family. However, one councillor has said too much tourism could cause “deprivation”.
Michael de Whalley, a member of West Norfolk Council, expressed fears about tourism at a recent council meeting.
He said: “We have had concerns about holiday park developments, which have not proved popular with residents.
“There are concerns that they only provide lowly-paid jobs.
“There are concerns that, during times of downturn, there is risk of them becoming effectively shanty-towns, or areas of deprivation.”
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However, other councillors said Norfolk was “blessed” to be a popular tourist destination.
According to one Labour councillor, just under 20 percent of jobs in the area are related to tourism.
Holiday parks often offer a budget holiday experience and are popular with British families.
Despite the positives, De Whalley gave Jaywick Sands in Essex as an example of an area that has suffered due to tourism.
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Cornwall has proposed a register on second homes to try to control the housing crisis in the area.
Other popular regions such as the Peak District have complained of the pressure on parking during peak season.
Wales is currently discussing the implementation of a tourist tax to help pay for essential infrastructure.
While some residents believe tourists should help pay for essential services they use, others think a tax would put visitors off.
