A controversial planning application on the outskirts of the city has been approved - despite a local petition to stop it.
Proposals for the construction of a new roof on an empty hair and beauty salon in Cannerby Lane, Sprowston received fierce backlash from folk living near the site.
Plans originally sought to construct a new first floor for residential accommodation over the former Rebeauty hair and beauty salon - but this was removed following a number of complaints from neighbours.
Locals objected to the scheme on grounds including privacy issues, the site being out of character with the area and overbearing, increased traffic, pressure on parking and overdevelopment.
Despite revised proposals being submitted without plans for the first floor, Sprowston folk still hit back at the application.
One person living in Cannerby Lane wrote to Broadland District Council: "We do not feel the application is any different from the previous issues we raised.
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"We already have significant issues with parking. Several times a customer has parked over our driveway preventing me from leaving my house for the day."
Another neighbour said: "Changing the building to have such a large roof with windows will, without doubt, take away our privacy and the privacy of others.
"We will have people overlooking us into our garden.
"The large roof replacement in this small area is out of character given the location.
"From the drawings, the roof is likely to be as significant as the first-floor flat.
"I can’t believe you would allow this in such a small area which is in essence a back garden land grab."
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Sprowston Town Council also objected to the application, pointing at insufficient on-site parking space, overshadowing and a loss of privacy.
But despite the backlash, Broadland has approved the plans.
A decision notice from the authority said it would be permitted provided the work commences by May 2026.
The site must also remain in use as a hair and beauty salon unless a change of use application is submitted.
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