5 public notices to be aware of in Norfolk this week

1) New homes could be built on horse paddock as plans emerge

Plans have emerged for two new homes near Brooke. (Image: South Norfolk Council)

A bid for a new development on land linked to an equestrian business near the city has emerged.

Plans have been submitted to build two self-build homes at High Green near Brooke, to the south of Norwich.

The scheme proposes building the houses on the site which is currently part of Wood Farm Stables.

According to the plans the equestrian business has reduced in size in recent years, with the land no longer needed for its previous use.

The plans explain: “The facility has undergone a change in ownership since the initial implementation of the equestrian business and as a result there are fewer horses than when it was originally established, with now only three horses in residence compared to the original nine.”

One of the homes would be occupied by the stable owner and her husband, while the second would be for their daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren.

The proposed homes would include solar panels and be accompanied by new landscaping, including tree planting, hedgerows and a wildlife pond.

South Norfolk Council will now consider the plans.

2) Couple's bid to transform part of residential garden into 'high-quality' home

The layout of the proposed development

A section of a residential garden could be transformed to create a new "high-quality" three-bedroom home.

Plans were put forward by Mr and Mrs Bridgham for the development on land at Garden House on Stanton Close in Dereham.

The property would be single storey and feature an open-plan kitchen, dining and living area, as well as a courtyard garden among other things.

A new entrance would be provided via the existing private drive on Stanton Close, with "sufficient space" for turning and parking.

A design and access statement said: "The proposed dwelling represents a thoughtful and sensitive response to its setting, combining high-quality contemporary design with materials and forms that reflect the local vernacular.

"The home has been carefully designed to minimise its visual impact, enhance the character of the site, and deliver a sustainable, energy-efficient home that meets the long-term needs of its occupants.

Breckland Council is due to make a decision on the plans at a later date.

To view the application in full, visit the council's planning portal, using the reference: PL/2026/1150/FMIN.

3) Clinic built on site of bombed pub could be knocked down to make way for homes

An architect's drawing showing how the new homes would look

A former chiropractic clinic which stands at one of a town's main gateways could be knocked down to make way for new homes.

Developer Alan Homes (Norfolk) has applied to demolish the King's Lynn Chiropractic Clinic on John Kennedy Road and build seven two-bedroom houses on the site.

The building was originally a pub known as the Victoria, which was built in the early 1960s to replace the earlier Victoria Hotel, which was damaged in a wartime bombing raid in 1941.

In a planning statement, the developer said: "The development provides an opportunity to improve upon visual appearance of the site which is prominently located on one of the towns ‘gateway’ approaches."

The site currently includes office space that has been vacant long-term, a small flat, and a hard-surfaced car parking area.

The developer describes the existing building as "somewhat tired in its appearance" and of "limited architectural merit," saying it "somewhat jars with the late 19th century buildings that surround it".

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4) Major pets retailer reveals plans to expand city store

Pets At Home at Sprowston Retail Park, Norwich. (Image: Denise Bradley)

A major pet business at a city retail park could be set for an expansion as new plans emerge.

Bosses for Pets at Home have revealed proposals to build a mezzanine floor within their existing store Sprowston Retail Park to create larger veterinary and grooming facilities.

If approved, the additional space would be occupied by Vets4Pets, the retailer's in-store veterinary service.

Savills, acting on behalf of the applicant, said Vets4Pets was "an integral part" of the services offered at Pets at Home stores.

They said in the planning papers: "The extended facility will comprise consulting rooms where general pet care advice is given and animals receive basic preventative medicine and treatments, such as worming or flea treatments.

"There will be operating theatres to undertake small scale procedures such as spaying and X-raying."

The documents add the vet facility would form part of the existing store, with customers accessing it through Pets at Home rather than through a separate entrance.

Opening hours would also mirror those of the main retail unit, with all treatments and consultations taking place during standard trading hours.

In a supporting statement, agents said: "The proposed development will facilitate provision of an expanded pet care, treatment and grooming facility as part of the wider offer by Pets at Home.

"The proposed floorspace and use is physically and functionally connected to the existing, primary retail operation.

"It will not materially alter the existing role and function of the operation at the site.

"The proposal accords with the relevant policies of the development plan and the NPPF and we respectfully request that this application is approved and planning permission be granted."

Pets at Home is one of the UK's largest retailer of pets and pet products, which includes a wide range of pet care goods.

Sprowston Retail Park, which hosts one of three of the stores in Norwich, also accommodates a range of national retailers including Dunelm, Carpetright and Costa.

5) Heritage railway in centre of county hoping to extend alcohol licence at station

The trust has put forward a premises licence variation application for the station in Dereham

A heritage railway running through the centre of Norfolk is hoping to extend its alcohol licence.

Mid Norfolk Railway Preservation Trust put forward a premises licence variation application for the site on Station Road in Dereham.

This would involve the off-sales of alcohol between the hours of 10am and 11pm Monday to Sunday.

The trust is also looking to extend the licensed area to include the gift shop as part of an amendment to the approved plans.

It hopes to revise the operating schedule and licence conditions accordingly, with no other changes proposed as part of the application.

The Mid-Norfolk Railway is the longest standard gauge heritage railway in East Anglia, running from Dereham to Wymondham.

Its line is currently being restored to the railway's northern most station County School and is operated by volunteers.

Anyone who is wishing to make a representation must do so in writing to the licensing team at Breckland Council no later than November 8.

The plans can be viewed in full by visiting the Breckland Council licensing register.