Work to demolish a derelict eyesore which has blighted Dereham for more than two years is about to begin.

Scaffolding has been erected around the former Sofas and More secondhand furniture shop, near Dereham Library, and demolition work is due to be carried out this week.

The site, which is based where London Road meets Baxter Row, has planning permission for eight two-bedroom apartments.

Dereham mayor Linda Goreham said: 'It is great news that work is starting.

'That site has become a complete and utter eyesore and building apartments is the best possible use for it in my opinion.

'I've heard no end of complaints about that site.

'Anyone driving into the town from that end will have the impression 'this is Dereham', which is the last thing we want. I now just hope that things move quickly and it doesn't end up being a building site for years.'

A previous application to build seven new apartments and one replacement apartment on the site, which sits within a conservation area, was refused planning permission in October 2013.

A Breckland Council planning officer wrote in a report at the time that the building should not be demolished as it represents an 'undesignated heritage asset' and that proposal would be detrimental to the character of the area.

In a report, a council officer described the latest application as 'an acceptable form of development in planning terms'.

The scheme includes plans for four car parking spaces.

Dereham Town Council has expressed concerns about parking, with councillors preferring one parking space made available per flat.

Breckland Council has received one letter from a member of the public.

The Baxter Row resident says he is 'happy to see a new, fresh approach to the site' but has expressed concerns about the impact on his home, stating 'the new plans move the property footprint much, much closer to our property'.

What do you think of the plans? Email adam.lazzari@archant.co.uk