Today is decision day on plans to redevelop a burned out eyesore which has scarred Wells seafront for more than six years.
Separate applications to knock down and rebuild the Gray’s Arcade building and adjoining shop are being discussed by North Norfolk District Council’s development committee in Cromer and both plans have been recommended for approval by the council’s planning officer.
The first is to redevelop the shop site into a four-floor development featuring a cafe/retail unit, three flats and a maisonette.
The second is to transform the Gray’s Arcade site into a four-floor development featuring three retail units, an office and nine flats.
The buildings were completely gutted by fire in January 2005 and have remained in a derelict burned out condition ever since.
This inaction has been a source of frustration for residents of Wells and visitors to the town and prompted the district council to consider making its first ever compulsory purchase order.
The planning officer states in a report, to be viewed by the development
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