A historic building in Wymondham is set to be saved under plans for a new housing development.

Concerns had been raised that the redundant Windmill pub in Norwich Road could be demolished under proposals by its new owner. However, new plans submitted to South Norfolk Council will look to retain the old pub building and convert it into a three bedroom home.

The application, submitted by Vello Ltd, of Brundall, also includes the construction of three two-bedroom bungalows with garages at the rear of the property, which will be aimed at retired couples.

During a public consultation exercise last month, concerns were raised by residents about the potential loss of the Windmill pub building.

Town councillor Andy Gardiner, who was campaigning against the demolition of the pub building, said: 'This is absolutely fantastic news and a credit to everyone who turned up at the presentation. Also it is a credit to City Gate Developments for meeting with me and then agreeing to come to Wymondham and give Wymondham people a chance to have their say. It is fantastic that a Wymondham landmark building will not now be lost.'

The developer said 69 out of 70 people that filled in a questionnaire at the public consultation preferred to see the site turned into a residential development and not for retail use. The developer had raised the possibility of a small supermarket on the site, but concerns were raised about increased traffic on Norwich Road, near to where a supermarket scheme was recently approved.

In an application to the district council, agent Chris Heal, of Chaplin Farrant, said the building had closed as a pub for financial reasons.

He added: 'The public consultation exercise indicated a strong desire that the site is developed residentially with a strong preference for bungalows to the rear and the retention if possible of the former public house building. Full consideration has been given in this proposal to the importance of the conservation area and the impact of any development on neighbouring property.'