Work on a historic city centre shop has been given permission to start despite the wait on planning permission continuing.
Plans are afoot to transform Crystal House in Cattle Market Street, which was once home to Bullards, Warrings and Kellers Model Marque, into office space but developers are still awaiting a final decision on their blueprints.
At the start of July, Norwich City Council's planning team delayed making a decision on the plans, which would see mortgage broker Haysto move in, over concerns about a lack of detail about the building's fire exits.
READ MORE: Police called to non-stop alarm at former city furniture shop
But now a city council spokesperson has confirmed work has been allowed to commence ahead of a decision, while interior decoration and repairs which began shortly after the application was submitted did not need to wait for approval.
The building is currently clad in scaffolding with workers on site most days.
READ MORE: Do you remember when this Victorian gem in Norwich was a model shop?
Previously, the building has seen 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".
Haysto is hoping to add a cycle store and fire exit to the rear of the building as it turns it into office space.
It is not known when a final decision will be made on the plans.
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