A disused building which has become a blot on the landscape of a mid-Norfolk town could make way for apartments.

Plans have been lodged to demolish the old Sofas and More store at the top of London Road and Baxter Road in Dereham and build an apartment block of eight properties.

Under the proposals, there will be eight two-bedroom apartments, a private courtyard and resident parking. The planning application comes at a time when there have been calls to restore pride in Dereham and to put the town's empty buildings back into use. At the recent Dereham Town Council annual parish meeting, the vacant Sofas and More building, which fronts onto the High Street, was specifically mentioned as an eyesore.

In the planning documents submitted to Breckland Council, agents Icon, working on behalf of the applicants Gorgate, say: 'An opportunity presents itself to remove an unattractive and unused building in a key conservation area location and to redevelop the site for residential use.' The site is near to other three-storey blocks of flats and has a car park which has been used for fly-tipping.

Philip Morton, chairman of the Dereham Society, said: 'Anything that improves that area which really is an eyesore could be a good thing.'

What do you think? Email kate.scotter@archant.co.uk