Anger over former Norwich pub site

A former pub site in Norwich could remain an ugly eyesore for the foreseeable future after plans were submitted to extend the time period allowed for development to start there.

The Earl of Leicester pub at the junction of Dereham Road and Bowthorpe Road was demolished amid controversy in summer 2005 and in March 2007 planning permission was granted to Brundall-based East Anglian Property Ltd for 12 flats to be built on the site.

But work on those flats has yet to start and new owner Tim Hardesty, from Bergh Apton, near Norwich, has now applied through agent Chaplin Farrant to extend the period when development can start there, as the three year limit for planning permission expires this month.

As reported in the Evening News last October Green city councillors called for the developers to start work on the site - which has become increasingly overgrown and a focus for fly-tippers - as soon as possible.

Green city councillor for Nelson ward, Adrian Ramsay said today: 'People in the area were unhappy when the pub was demolished, and Green councillors wanted it to be converted into flats.

'But when it was demolished we wanted the development to start as soon as possible. Instead, the site has remained an eyesore and become overgrown.

'It's important the development goes ahead and if the council does approve the plans, it should be with the understanding that development happens very soon.'

Mr Hardesty was unavailable for comment, but Norwich City Council spokeswoman Amy Lyall confirmed it had received the application.

She said: 'We have received an application for an extension of the time period to start development on this site. This application is currently under consideration and will be discussed at a future meeting of the council's planning committee.'

Are you trying to tackle an eyesore where you live? Call reporter David Bale on 01603 772427 or email david.bale2@archant.co.uk.