An appeal has been launched against Norwich City Council's decision to refuse permission for a former shop to become a bar.

Norwich-based Global Binding Engineers applied last year to transform the former Country and Eastern shop in Redwell Street.

City Hall officers had recommended the council's planning committee to give permission, but at a meeting last August the committee went against that advice to turn down the scheme.

A number of reasons were given for refusal. One was that the building is in a conservation area and a bar would change the character of an area predominantly made up of offices and homes, with little night-time activity.

Councillors also raised concerns the lack of a smoking shelter would see people gathering outside the venue, to the detriment of people living nearby and compromising highway safety.

They were also unhappy over arrangements for bins, servicing and access, while they said they did not have enough information to make a judgment on soundproofing.

The council will need to submit a statement of case to the planning inspectorate.