The opening of a new pub and restaurant in a Norfolk town will probably not now happen until next Easter following delays.

The new development at Kings Head Yard in Diss, which could be occupied by a J D Wetherspoon pub, had been due to open in the autumn, but landowner Joe Darrell said the launch may not now happen until Easter due to delays with an archaeology report.

He said planning officials at South Norfolk Council could not give full written planning consent for the development until the archaeological dig had been completed.

Mr Darrell secured planning permission for the restaurant four years ago and in March the council also gave permission for a mezzanine floor within the building, next to the town's Mere, to enable it to be divided into two levels, with an upstairs floor for dining.

However, work can not begin in earnest until the full written consent has been received.

Mr Darrell said: 'The delay has been the archaeology. The planners have held back on giving the full written consent because they have not got everything from the archaeology.'

The premises will take up part of an existing car park at the Kings Head Yard site and will feature French doors leading to an outdoor paved area where customers can enjoy views of the Mere.

The car park will close except for a few spaces left for neighbouring residents, while provision would also be made on the pub site for a potential new walkway proposed by Diss Town Council crossing the Mere from behind the council's offices in Hales Yard to Kings Head Yard.

The idea of the walkway would be to enable tourists to get closer to the Mere's natural habitat and wildlife and to stop and enjoy the view.

The chain owns 860 outlets across the country.