Protest outside former Norwich ironmongers shop as council approve takeaway bid

A banner reading 'SAVE THIS BUILDING' has been hung across what was Burrell's ironmongers in Norwich after the City Council approved a bid for a fish and chip shop there.

The building, located at 137 Unthank Road, is the only pre-victorian shop front left on the street and has been empty since 2008.

Planning permission for the new takeaway was approved on October 28 despite the fact Lim's Fish Bar is located three units away.

The approved bid states: 'Demolition of shop. Construction of 1 No. ground floor retail (Class A1) unit, 1 No. ground floor hot food takeaway and restaurant (Class A3 and Class A5) and 1 No. first floor dwelling.'

One complaint lodged during the consultation process read: 'Such an unnecessary waste of a perfectly good building that has shaped the scene of the Unthank Road parade ever since I have lived there for the past 26 years.'

'The current building is of very good architectural merit being a well proportioned example of Victorian retail architecture with pleasing Corinthian column detailing,' said another.

A City Council spokesman said: 'This building has been empty and in a state of deterioration for at least eight years and it is hoped this development will enhance the parade of shops.

'The materials and the design of the new frontage are in keeping with the surrounding area and the forecourt will be landscaped to improve its appearance.'

Proposed parking in the shop forecourt was rejected due to the proximity to the pedestrian crossing.

Planning permission for demolition of the historic building was originally approved in 2014 but the proposal did not go ahead.

What do you think about the approved bid? Let us know in the comments.