Retirement homes builder McCarthy and Stone has submitted a planning application for the former abattoir site in Stalham.

The site, off Old Market Road, is next to Tesco but has stood empty for a decade.

Plans lodged with North Norfolk District Council would see this brownfield site brought back into use with 12 Retirement Living bungalows, 30 apartments, on-site car parking and communal gardens.

The builder said that 83pc of respondents to a public consultation expressed support for the proposals, with the most frequent comment saying that accommodation for older people in Stalham was much-needed.

Matt Wills, regional managing director of McCarthy and Stone, said: 'It became apparent during our consultation with the community that there is a real desire to see the former abattoir site brought back into use. And the level of support received suggests that this application would help fulfil a real need for accommodation for local older people.'