It's synonymous with north Norfolk and the Broads and Roys of Wroxham is now set to expand after plans were approved at a district council meeting.

Eastern Daily Press: Roys of Wroxham has been given the go-ahead to expand its retail store in Hoveton.Roys of Wroxham has been given the go-ahead to expand its retail store in Hoveton. (Image: ARCHANT EASTERN DAILY PRESS (01603) 772434)

The retailer has been in Hoveton for more than 100 years and already has a department store, food hall, toy store, garden centre, DIY store and petrol station in the village.

And proposals to build a two-storey rear extension to the retail store and for a change of use of the former Broads Hotel site to provide car parking, were unanimously approved by North Norfolk district councillors on Thursday, February 22.

The existing gross floor area of the department store is 3659 sqm and there are 298 car parking spaces for customers.

The extension, on the side away from Norwich Road, will provide a larger sales area and cafe/restaurant, including outside terrace. This would increase the gross floor area of the building by 1672 sqm to 5331 sqm.

The proposal also includes a re-configuration of the existing car park, provision of a smaller service yard and a new 46-space car park on the adjacent site of the former Broads Hotel. Parking provision on the site will increase from 298 to 302 spaces.

The Highways authority withdrew its objection to the plans ahead of the meeting.

Jerene Irwin, associate director, Chaplin Farrant Ltd, the agents, told the meeting: 'There was a public consultation and we took on board quite a number of recommendations. It will be an improved retail offer for Roys, increasing the number of customers. Roys has been in Hoveton for over 100 years, and is keen to invest in its own future and the future of the town.'

Councillor Vivienne Uprichard said: 'I cannot see anything wrong with this application. It will add more vitality to the area. One of these days we will have to rename Hoveton Roy's town.'

Fellow councillor Pauline Grove-Jones added: 'The extra parking will be greatly appreciated. People do park there to use other facilities in the town as well as Roys.'

And councillor Richard Shepherd added that it would be 'super for jobs and tourism'.