New Diss Leisure Centre among Norfolk public notices

1. Bid for new beauty clinic given the green light

Plans for the new beauty clinic in Cringleford (Image: South Norfolk Council)

A bid to transform an empty commercial unit in Woolhouse Way in Cringleford into a skin care and aesthetics clinic has been approved by South Norfolk Council.

It will include two treatment rooms and a hair styling station, according to proposals submitted in January by M and M Aesthetics.

The scheme involves minor changes to the building for its new use.

The plans state: "The development would bring a vacant unit into active use, provide a local service and enhance the appearance of the building, all without harm to residential amenity or the character of the area."

2. Bid to transform storage space into new flats thrown out

The entrance to the proposed flats would have been from St Saviours Lane, on the left

Proposals to turn the upper floors of 43A Magdalen Street, behind the Euro Foods convenience store, into two one-bedroom apartments have been refused by Norwich City Council.

Authorities said there was not enough detail explaining the impact the scheme would have on the area in terms of pollution.

City hall planners said: "Insufficient information has been submitted to demonstrate that this proposal would not result in an increase in nitrate and/or phosphate levels which would further adversely affect the current unfavourable status of the Broads Special Area of Conservation."

Agents for Mr Sikdar, the applicant, in the planning statement said: "This proposal represents a sustainable and sensitive conversion of underused space within a central Norwich location.

"It delivers high-quality residential accommodation, enhances the shared courtyard environment and respects the character and amenity of neighbouring properties."

3. Glamping pods plans blocked

Plans to install four glamping pods on the land were thrown out

Plans to open a luxury glamping site have been blocked by officials who said the scheme did not rely enough on sustainable methods of transport.

Officers rejected the proposal to create the facility in Great Fransham, saying it would be an "unsustainable form of tourism development".

The plans, put forward by James Hill, would have seen four glamping pods installed on land off Beeston Road in the village.

Mr Hill, who runs nearby High Green Farm, had argued that the development would increase footfall for local businesses and increase the length of time tourists spent in the area.

However, some locals had raised concerns, including that it would create traffic problems.

Breckland Council officials blocked the scheme, ruling that the location in the open countryside meant it would not encourage sustainable modes of transport to and from the site.

It acknowledged the site would support shops and businesses in the wider area through increased patronage, but added this would be limited due to the small scale of the development.

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4. Multi-million pound leisure centre approved despite criticism of design

South Norfolk Council's planning committee voted unanimously to approve a new leisure centre in Diss

South Norfolk Council's planning committee voted unanimously to approve a new leisure centre in Diss, which forms part of an £8.1m project that will also include improvements to the nearby bus station.

The centre will be built on the site of the former John Grose car dealership, which is next to the town's six-acre mere. 

The facility will include a café, gym, soft play area and community rooms across two floors, in what the council has described as a "vibrant plaza".

More than 400 people took part in a public consultation ahead of the decision, with 75pc approving of the scheme, and Diss Town Council had also backed the plans unanimously. 

But the scheme has not been without objections. 

The Diss Heritage Trust has described the building as "banal and ugly" and warned it would "undeniably degrade the quality of the mere".

Approval was granted subject to outstanding concerns over access and flood risk details being resolved.

5. Historic mill could be turned from holiday let into home

The new owner of this mill wants to transform it into a home (Image: Rightmove)

The new owner of a historic watermill plans to stop it being used as a holiday let and live in it themselves.

Katherine MacIntrye snapped up the 200-year-old structure beside the River Ingol and Snettisham at auction for an undisclosed price just before Christmas.

She has now formally applied to change its use, telling West Norfolk Council she hopes it will become her permanent home.

She adds this will ensure a sustainable future for the building without making any changes to its fabric or the surrounding area.