A bid to help save a village post office and shop in north Norfolk is still facing uncertainty despite being given a glimmer of hope. Planning officers at North Norfolk Council have been given authority to give the go ahead to a scheme for a new post office, shop and 10 new homes in Great Ryburgh.

A bid to help save a village post office and shop in north Norfolk is still facing uncertainty despite being given a glimmer of hope.

Planning officers at North Norfolk Council have been given authority to give the go ahead to a scheme for a new post office, shop and 10 new homes in Great Ryburgh.

But on one condition. Developer Mike McNamara has to provide financial evidence of the viability of the scheme.

Villagers in Great Ryburgh, near Fakenham, lost their post office last month and are set to loose their shop, being run by a community interest company, by December if new premises cannot be found.

Mr McNamara proposed to build 10 homes and a shop with post office and associated flat in the Old Granary, a former maltings building in Station Road, opposite the existing shop.

It was first deferred last month over the number of affordable homes it would include and over demand for business units.

Then on ThursdaySteve Oxenham, head of planning at North Norfolk, said he was concerned that they had not received any financial evidence of the plans and that they had not received that assurance that they would expect and ask for.

However, Benjy Cabbell Manners said that in principle the committee was supportive because of the amount of affordable housing and the village shop.

He said it was the best development available for the community. It is fully supported by the parish council who see it is a great opportunity for the village.

A previous report to the committee said there were more than 200 people on a list for affordable accommodation in Great Ryburgh.