David BaleDevelopers hope a revised application to build a food store on the site of a Norwich pub will get approval - after changing the plans to address the reasons they were refused in January.David Bale

Developers hope a revised application to build a food store on the site of a Norwich pub will get approval - after changing the plans to address the reasons they were refused in January.

Plans to build the single-storey store on the site of the Romany pub in Colman Road were put on ice last month, after city councillors voted against the proposal, despite the fact they had been recommended for approval by council officers.

And an earlier application was withdrawn by the applicant last December due to concerns raised about servicing arrangements at the site.

At January's committee meeting councillors claimed a food store would create dangerous traffic conditions as customers and delivery vans came in and out of the car park using an existing service road onto Colman Road and The Avenues.

They also argued the new building would not fit in visually with the old pub, but Edward Ledwidge, spokesman for the developers Commercial Development Projects, said today: 'The revised application we have submitted has addressed the reasons for refusal by providing a dedicated service area and an improved design treatment. We are hoping this time it goes ahead.'

The new plans still include the demolition of the pub's garage and toilet block to build a convenience store with 400sqm of retail space.

But they also include an alternative arrangement for servicing behind the proposed store, and a revised car park layout comprising 22 parking spaces - two more than before - including two disabled spaces.

The Romany has been boarded-up and closed since it was raided by police on November 7, 2008 and one of its customers was stunned by a police taser gun.

Developers said it could reopen as a pub or it could be used, without planning permission being needed, as a shop, for financial and professional services or as a restaurant.

The application will be discussed by the council's planning committee at a date to be fixed.

The Evening News' Love Your Local campaign aims to encourage people to use their pubs or risk losing them for good.

To see previous stories from the Love Your Local campaign log on to www.eveningnews24.co.uk/loveyourlocal.

If you have a pub story call David Bale on 01603 772427 or email david.bale2@archant.co.uk.