Ambitions to build a walkway on a busy stretch of river have been dealt a blow over congestion fears.
The conversion of the former Ferry Boat Inn site in King Street in Norwich into 47 six-storey flats will go before City Hall planners this year.
But the Broads Authority's planning committee will need to decide if a connecting walkway, staithe and balconies along the River Wensum can form part of the development.
Yesterday the authority's navigation committee raised concerns about the width reduction of what is already a busy stretch of river and the use of the walkway.
The 45m-long structure would stretch 2.4m into the river and extend from the Novi Sad Bridge across the front of the site. It is a section of water which developers hope will be used for small boats to launch and de-mast. Yet there are worries that the river will become too busy as there are already plans to encourage more short-stay moorings near the site and a river bus is intending to use the bank opposite to pick up and drop off passengers.
Michael Whitaker, chairman of the navigation committee, said the walkway was 'fairly pointless and not a priority'.
'We have concerns over navigation, the overhanging over the river and river restrictions,' he said.
The authority's planning officer said in the report: 'The application would result in a restriction in the width of the navigation and could potentially impact on the safety of existing and proposed boat users.'
The Ferry Boat Inn, which will be renovated as part of the development, shut in 2006 and has caused controversy, with neighbours objecting to the scale of the redevelopment.
After years of uncertainty, with proposals to turn the pub into a hostel having fallen through, the site was sold in June last year.
The developer has offered to shorten the walkway which could mean less of the river would be taken up by the plans. But members said an ideal situation would be for the walkway to be on developer land and not on the river.
Do you have a story about the Broads? Call Rosa McMahon on 01603 772453 or email rosa.mcmahon@archant.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here