Councillors have backed a scheme which could help restore a well-known city centre building complex to its former glory.
Work to improve the decaying grade II-listed Bethel Hospital, which opened in the 18th century, has become part of a wider plan which will shape how decisions on developments in Norwich are made.
Speaking to this newspaper after last night's meeting of Norwich City Council, councillor Bert Bremner described the hospital as a 'glorious building', and added: 'The whole area could be a gem in the centre of the city.'
Councillors at the meeting opted to support a work programme, known as the Local Development Scheme.
The programme will produce key planning documents which will form part of the local plan for Norwich.
The majority of the Bethel Hospital site, which was founded by Mary Chapman in the early 18th century, is currently unused.
It was believed to be the first purpose-built asylum in the country.
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