A former manor house which has fallen into disrepair after being converted into offices more than 40 years ago is to be demolished to make way for an office building, it has emerged.

Horsford Manor, close to Horsford Cricket Club's Manor Park ground on Holt Road, Horsford, was converted into offices more than 40 years ago and was used by Anglian Windows as its headquarters.

But the building, which is empty and has been on the market for several years, has deteriorated.

Prior notification has been granted by Broadland District Council for demolition of the building which is to be replaced by a two-storey office building.

Broadland District Council granted permission for the demolition, submitted by Anglian Home Improvements, subject to a series of conditions including historic building recording.

The Evening News contacted the agent working for the applicant about the development but no-one was available for comment.

One woman, who did not want to be named, said it was a 'tragedy' the manor was to be demolished as it was a 'beautiful building' and added she was concerned there might be bats roosting there.

A Broadland spokesman said: 'Our ecologist did pop out and take a look at Horsford Manor when they first said they were going to demolish it but did not see any bats.' A further visit to the site has revealed no sign of any bats.

John Starling, a district councillor for Horsford and Felthorpe, said: 'The feeling was that because it was deteriorating nothing was being done with the place at all. It looked as if the best thing to do was to pull it down.'

The building is jointly owned by Norfolk County Council and Norwich City Council, with the county owning 60pc.

A spokesman said: 'The building, which is not listed, is currently let to Anglian Windows who have operational control of the premises. Anglian Windows have asked for permission for the building to be demolished and both councils have agreed.'