Another long-term eyesore site in North Walsham could be redeveloped if planners approve a scheme for offices and a car showroom.

The former Mace's building yard, at 34-36 Cromer Road, had been in a state of neglect for many years but was recently cleared.

And now Bullen Developments Ltd, who own the 0.8 hectare (2.07 acre) site, are seeking permission from North Norfolk District Council to build on it.

The firm wants full permission for a pair of two-storey office units on the site and outline permission for a further two, plus a car showroom.

The scheme has aroused concern from some residents of nearby Beech Drive and Oaklands Park and a spokesman addressed a recent meeting of North Walsham Town Council's planning committee.

She detailed fears that units were too close to the boundary with homes, had windows on all sides and both floors, would reduce daylight and increase noise for residents, and would compromise their privacy.

Residents were also concerned about possible noise and odour pollution from any vehicle repair or industrial units and the possibility of the units operating anti-social hours.

Possible dangers from distracted motorists trying to look at cars for sale as they drove past the site, and a too-narrow access road were also listed.

Residents have called for amendments to the scheme including the erection of a two-metre high fence between their homes and the development, and the siting of all units next to the B1145.

The town council decided that it does not object to the use of the site for small-scale business and commercial use but believes the particular plan is unsuitable.

The council objects on the grounds that residents would lose privacy because of the unit windows, and also because of access to the site and the removal of trees. They have asked district planners to make conditions addressing their concerns.

Plans for the site coincide with news that Scott Properties wants to build a supermarket on another long-standing eyesore plot on Cromer Road, the former Marrick's Wire Rope site, on the other side of the North Walsham bypass.