The owner of a Norwich table dancing club has won an appeal to live above the city centre venue.

Simon Goodings was initially refused permission to convert an office into a two-bedroom flat above Sugar and Spice on Prince of Wales Road.

But a planning inspector has now overturned Norwich City Council's decision, despite concerns about late-night noise associated with the area.

Mr Goodings sought permission to convert the second floor of the 'American-style table dancing' club building into residential use.

His application said the flat would only be used by one of the club's owners and 'intrinsically tied' to the club.

But the city council refused the plans in 2017 stating the property was located in an area where residential accommodation is not normally permitted.

The council also said it was 'unconvinced' the flat would be occupied by one person, adding the size and layout suggested a number of people would live there.

Mr Goodings, who is one of the club's owners, appealed the decision and a planning inspector has now ruled in his favour.

Planning inspector Philip Lewis said it was clear from a noise impact assessment (NIA) that Prince of Wales Road was 'very noisy' at night.

But he said Mr Goodings' NIA concluded internal noise levels in the flat would accord with World Health Organisation guidelines, subject to mitigation measures.

Mr Lewis said: 'I concur with the council's environmental health officer that the noise report offers acceptable mitigation and that it is essential that the internal noise levels set out are achieved so that occupants experience acceptable living conditions.'

In regard to concerns about the flat's occupancy, Mr Lewis added: 'I consider that its occupancy can be restricted by planning condition to a person or persons directly associated with the business.'

Mr Lewis imposed several conditions on the development, including that the property should be limited to individuals employed at the club below.

He said a compliance report must also be submitted showing whether internal noise levels of the flat meet those set out in the NIA.

Mr Goodings was contacted for comment.