Plans for the renovation of a former city centre furniture store have hit a snag after concerns were raised over its fire exit.

Plans for Crystal House in Norwich's Cattle Market Street could see it transformed into office space after it was taken on by mortgage broker Haysto.

Previously the premises was home to Bullards' gin distillery, which left in May 2022, and the Warings furniture store and cafe. Prior to that, it spent 20 years as toy shop Kellers Model Marque.

There had been plans to turn it and the former Owl Sanctuary pub opposite into housing but an application submitted in 2016 was rejected amid claims it would "result in the loss of historic fabric".

But now a decision on the latest plans for the building, which was supposed to be made today (July 4), has been delayed after concerns were raised over the plan's provision for a fire exit.

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A representative from Norwich City Council's urban conservation and design team said they had not seen any details of the building's new fire escape and asked for them to be submitted.

Haysto's application said the building would house 60 employees and pointed out that the Grade II listed building's condition was fast deteriorating.

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A statement from the mortgage broker read: "The building is slowly creeping into a state of disrepair and essential work is required to ensure the future of the building.

"The significance of Crystal House is fully acknowledged and works have been carefully considered, resulting in a sensitive proposal that does not result in harm to the asset.

"Occupation of Crystal House will bring much-needed life and interest to an area of Norwich where various neighbouring buildings currently lie dormant."

It is now not known when a decision will be made.

Built for Holmes and Sons in 1862, the building was inspired by London's Crystal Palace, and the machine engineers remained in the building until they ceased trading in 1905.