An application for a major 55-home development in the heart of the city has been delayed.

The proposals for 125-133 King Street were initially going to be submitted to the city council by the end of this week.

But developers have now had to push the scheme back by a month due to a need to discuss the details of fire escape access with the neighbouring Dragon Hall.

Norwich Evening News: Designs for the project in King StreetDesigns for the project in King Street (Image: Mii Studio Architecture)

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Norwich River hopes to build 55 new homes at the site, consisting of 38 apartments and 17 townhouses.

The Grade II* listed buildings at 125-125A would be divided vertically into four townhouses, with gardens and parking to the rear, while the buildings at 127 and 129 would be converted into eight apartments.

The additional homes would be new builds on the remaining areas of the site.

Norwich Evening News: An exhibition showcasing the plans was held at Dragon Hall in MayAn exhibition showcasing the plans was held at Dragon Hall in May (Image: Mii Studio Architecture)

An exhibition showcasing drawings and further details of the proposed development were held in The Foyle Gallery in Dragon Hall on Thursday, May 18.

The plans were met with a mixed reaction, with many locals supportive of bringing the derelict buildings back into use.

Others, however, voiced concerns about increased traffic in the area.

Norwich Evening News: The existing building has been derelict for a number of yearsThe existing building has been derelict for a number of years (Image: William Warnes)

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A spokesman for Waller Planning, the project's planning consultants, said: "We are grateful for the many comments we received from local people, which were generally very positive and helpful."

It is understood that all feedback was taken on board by the developers, but no major changes have been made to the plans. 

The enterprise is the latest city development to have hit a snag over fire exit concerns.

Norwich Evening News: The project also includes plans for green spacesThe project also includes plans for green spaces (Image: Mii Studio Architecture)

A decision on the latest plans for Crystal House in Norwich's Cattle Market Street has also been delayed after concerns were raised over the plan's provision for a fire exit.

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.