Plans for former Post Office in Salhouse, Norwich, refused

Officers at Broadland District Council (BDC) have refused an application to convert the former Radley's cafe and village Post Office in Lower Street, Salhouse, into a one-bedroom holiday let.

The site has been empty since 2017 (Image: Newsquest)

Planning officials said the scheme was "unacceptable" as the site - which is currently derelict - was still viable for potential business use.

It was the fourth time since the former Radley's cafe and shop closed in 2017 that an application for an alternative use had gone before the council. 

Bids to convert the site into a new home have been refused twice, while a separate application for holiday letting was withdrawn in 2019. 

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District councillor for the area, Fran Whymark, said he supported plans to bring the building back into use - but questioned the viability of bringing back businesses and facilities to the village.

He said: "This building used to be the Salhouse Post Office, and there is always a concern over a loss of facilities.

"If we could bring back shops, businesses and services to the area then that would be great.

"But it has to be viable as a business and unfortunately that is difficult when a lot of people are choosing to instead go to big supermarkets.

Fran Whymark, district councillor for the area (Image: Newsquest)

"So, in principle, I support the idea of bringing this back into use as a business or village facility.

"But whether this will happen or not, I don't know."

The latest plans came almost seven years after the former Radley's cafe closed amid a bitter rivalry with neighbouring firm Prima Rosa. 

The dispute dates back more than five years, when Prima Rosa moved into 82A Lower Street, directly next door to Radley's in 82B, forging the rivalry between the two businesses.

But after owner Kerry Radley began experiencing a drop in trade she made the decision in 2017 to close the business down.