Former blacksmiths could be demolished to build new flats

Nine flats and a shop could be built in a Norwich street, if councillors give the go-ahead for a 19th century smithy building to be demolished.

Members of Norwich City Council's planning committee will decide on Thursday whether to grant permission for numbers 41 and 43 St Augustine's Street to be knocked down.

Both buildings are locally-listed and number 43 was once a blacksmiths, which in the past was the main premises of the Dave Barkshire Motorcycle Company.

That company is now based at Rackheath Industrial Estate and Mr Barkshire wants permission to knock down the two buildings to make way for the flats and retail unit.

Despite both buildings being locally listed, City Hall officers say they are in a poor state of repairs and are not suitable for conservation.

Officers are recommending that councillors grant permission for the scheme.