Plan for Guildhall roof in Gaol Hill in Norwich is approved

The Guildhall, in Gaol Hill, is England’s largest medieval city hall and was the centre of city government until it was replaced by City Hall in 1938.

Plans submitted by Norwich City Council are intended to upgrade the roof fall arrest system, a barrier designed to stop the fall of any maintenance workers on the roof, as well as a wire system and shock absorbers.

READ MORE: Huge refurb begins as successful city travel agency expands

The proposal has been approved, even though the plans could cause a "level of harm" to the historic site.

Scaffolding covered the building in 2009 as work was completed (Image: Newsquest)

"It is considered that the proposal offers a level of harm to the overall significance of the grade I listed building," read the officer report from the city council.

READ MORE: Wilko and Argos contribute to empty shop space increase but Norwich is bucking trends

However, planning officers decided that the level of harm was mitigated by the need to create safe access to the roof for future maintenance.

Historic England was approached but did not offer advice.

The city council has been granted three years to complete the work.