New flats and townhouses have been approved for a city centre site that has stood empty for more than a decade.

Norwich City Council is set to build nine new homes on land off Ber Street, opposite John Lewis. 

The site used to be occupied by The Pot Company but has stood empty since at least 2012.

Norwich Evening News: An artist's impression of how the site will lookAn artist's impression of how the site will look (Image: Norwich City Council)

The council will be using its arms-length Norwich Regeneration Company, which has previously built homes in Bowthorpe, to construct the homes, which would then be sold on the open market.

Plans will see the construction of two one-bedroom flats and one two-bedroom flat, alongside a pair of two-bedroom and three three-bedroom townhouses.

The development will be laid out in a trio of three-storey buildings - with the derelict premises at number 10 Ber Street being demolished to make way for the project.

Norwich Evening News: The existing Ber Street siteThe existing Ber Street site (Image: Newsquest)

An archway will also be constructed for vehicular access and each of the townhouses will have a private back garden and garage, including electric vehicle charging points.

The council says the flats will have outside space, such as a garden or balcony but will not have assigned car parking, although a secure cycle store will be provided.

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City council planning officers praised the scheme for delivering new homes on a site "which has been largely vacant for many years" and "enhancing the visual appearance of the area". 

Norwich Evening News: A street view of the projectA street view of the project (Image: Norwich City Council)

However, a lack of affordable housing - which the applicant said was "not viable" - was described as "regrettable".

City council leader and chair of the Norwich Regeneration Company, Mike Stonard, previously said: "We’re anticipating that the Ber Street development will be another feather in the cap for the company and further our ambitions to provide much-needed, quality housing in Norwich.

"The homes will be in an ideal city centre location, with great access to all amenities and transport connections."