New plans for former Norwich pub site revealed

David BaleRevised plans to build a shop on the site of a closed city pub are set for recommendation next week - despite opposition from neighbours and a ward councillor for the area.David Bale

Revised plans to build a shop on the site of a closed city pub are set for recommendation next week - despite opposition from neighbours and a ward councillor for the area.

The application for the Romany pub site, in Colman Road, is for the demolition of the garage building and public house toilet block on the site and the construction of a convenience store with 400 sq m of floor space.

As previously reported, the pub could reopen, as the application suggests the existing building could still be used as a pub or restaurant.

An almost identical application was withdrawn by the applicant in December due to concerns raised about servicing arrangements at the site, but the current application has been submitted with new details.

However, several neighbours have complained in writing to the council, citing fears the new shop would have a negative impact on existing stores.

Neighbours are also worried about an increase in traffic in the service road and concern that a shop opening late at night could cause noise and anti-social behaviour in the area.

A letter was also sent by University ward city councillor Bert Bremner, who said there were already three vacant shops in the centre and parade - the butchers, the Indian takeaway and the off-licence.

He said: 'I feel, therefore, that the proposed shop will have a detrimental effect on the parade, which is already having trading difficulties.'

However, one letter of support was received by the council from a nearby business that said another shop was needed to generate more business to the area and encourage more people to use other shops on the parade.

The application was submitted by Commercial Development Projects, from Surrey, whose spokesman Edward Ledwidge said: 'Whatever operator does go in there, it will generate business for the whole of the centre.'

Vehicle access is proposed from Colman Road via the service road, which is proposed to be widened and the access to Colman Road improved. Car parking will be provided at the back for 29 spaces 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.

The application will be discussed at Norwich City Council's planning applications committee on Thursday .

The Evening News' Love Your Local Campaign aims to get people back into pubs.

For more stories on the campaign visit www.eveningnews24.co.uk/loveyourlocal.