Wortwell's The Dove cafe approved for conversion to home

South Norfolk Council has approved plans to turn The Dove, on Station Road in Wortwell, from a commercial premises into a single residential home.

The building, between Harleston and Bungay, most recently operated as The Dove Inn Café and has a long history of hospitality use.

Planning documents state it was originally a pub associated with Homersfield Railway Station before becoming a restaurant and café.

Under the proposals, the existing building will be converted into a house featuring five double bedrooms, reception rooms, a study and associated facilities (Image: Durrants)

Documents submitted as part of the plans said: "Internally, minor modifications are proposed to provide a kitchen, utility, two reception rooms, study and shower room, with five double bedrooms, dressing rooms and bathrooms on the first floor.

"Externally, the existing parking area will serve the new dwelling, with space for at least four cars.

"The existing vehicular access from Station Road will be utilised to serve the dwelling."

Planning officers concluded the proposal met the requirements of Class MA permitted development legislation, which allows some commercial buildings to be converted into homes without the need for full planning permission.

A delegated report noted the building had been operating as a café within Class E commercial use and met the necessary qualifying criteria.

The building ceased operation as a public house in the 1960s, re-opening as a restaurant in the 1980s. (Image: Google Maps)

Addressing concerns around flooding, officers said the Environment Agency initially objected before revised information was submitted.

The report stated: "The Environment Agency was consulted on the proposal and, following amendments to the FRA, raised no objection to the proposal."

It added that the building's floor levels would remain above predicted flood levels and that "the building would remain safe during the modelled flood events, with safe access and egress maintained for occupants".

Councillors were not required to determine the application, with officers concluding that "the proposal is considered to be permitted development and further prior approval is not required".