A Norwich shop which has stood empty for six years can be given a new lease of life, after councillors granted planning permission for changes.

The Burrell's ironmongers, in Unthank Road, closed in 2008 and has stood empty ever since. Last year, Mark Webster, whose son Charlie runs Websters estate agents nearby, submitted plans to replace the Golden Triangle building.

But the application, which would have seen a three-storey building put up in its place, caused controversy, with Norwich City Council conservation officer Mark Wilson describing the proposal as 'unacceptable in design and conservation terms'.

In August last year, the application was withdrawn, with the developers saying they were keen to work the local community to come up with a scheme.

A fresh application was lodged with City Hall for a smaller building, containing a shop, a cafe and a home on the second and third floors.

And the city council's planning committee today went with the advice from their officers and granted permission.

Officers had acknowledged, in a report which went before the committee: 'The loss of a building which has historical value and presence in the street scene is, of course, regrettable. 'The applicant has submitted supporting evidence of their view that the building is in a state of disrepair that would make it uneconomical to retain it.'

But officers had said the proposed replacement, although higher than the existing building, would be of a similar scale and would fit in with the rest of the street.

They say: 'In the context of its current vacant state, it is considered to result in an enhancement of the visual amenities of the street scene.'

• Are you fighting a planning application where you live? Call reporter Dan Grimmer on 01603 772375 or email dan.grimmer@archant.co.uk