An East Anglian children's hospice charity is planning to open a new shop in a Grade II listed former north Norfolk bank building.
Plans have been lodged to convert the former Barclays bank branch in Cromer into an East Anglian Children's Hospices (EACH) shop.
The Tucker Street bank closed in December 2017, just months after the town's Santander branch closed in September.
And now plans for initial works to covert the Grade II listed building into a shop have been submitted to the district council.
North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) received an application to carry out external works to install advertisements on the front and side of the building, repair the stonework, and paint the windows, doors, and elevations, on Thursday, February 14.
READ MORE: Another one bites the dust - Barclays closes its branch in Cromer
The application form, submitted on behalf of the Cambridge-based charity EACH by James Rudd of Hollins Architects and Surveyors, in Suffolk, describes the proposed works as 'signage to advertise shop added to the facade of the building' and 'repairing of the stone facade where night safe and cashpoint have been removed'.
The signs are described as 3mm thick aluminium composite panels with vinyl graphics.
If plans are approved, the building's exterior facing onto Jetty Street will also be painted.
A design and access statement prepared by Hollins on behalf of the charity states: 'We believe the proposal can only enhance the amenity of the area by improving the present unkempt appearance of the vacant unit and breathe new life into the building.
'The design conserves the existing shop front and we will do the repairs [or] new works to return it to its original design.'
The proposal was also described as 'sympathetic and restrained'.
EACH are currently fundraising for the nook appeal, which the charity describes as its vision to 'transform children's palliative care in Norfolk and north Suffolk' and includes 'a new purpose-built hospice in the heart of Norfolk'.
A spokesperson for EACH said: 'Retail is an important income stream for us, having generated over £1.1 million in the past financial year.
'We have 35 shops across the region, including Holt, North Walsham and Fakenham, and are looking to open more as we continue to raise money for the care of children and young people with life-threatening conditions, and support of their families. We hope, subject to planning permission, to be joining the community in Cromer soon.'
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