Plans for retreat

A former hostel, café and chapel in the centre of historic Walsingham are set to be converted into a religious retreat.

An applicant is applying for change of use consent for the range of buildings in the High Street and demolition and internal alterations at the historic properties.

Work is to include provision of a covered walkway, new shop front and additional dormer windows.

The application has been brought before members of the North Norfolk District Council development control board (west) by Tom Moore concerning issues relating to car parking, demolition and impact on listed buildings.

There have already been two site visits and while the proposal is considered acceptable in principle, there are a number of details requiring clarification and amendment. These include fenestration details, regarding glazing arrangements window casements and the acceptance of new door openings and changes to form en-suites on the first floor.

A report says that under no circumstances should the 16th century timber frame of property number 49 be disturbed or damaged. Subject to plans being satisfactorily amended, it is not considered that the proposals would have a significant detrimental impact on the character of the existed listed buildings.

It is also considered that external alterations proposed would improve the appearance of the listed buildings. They would not have any greater impact on the privacy or amenities of the occupiers of existing neighbouring properties.

A report points out that the plans show seven car parking spaces for the scheme accessed by a new vehicle entrance off Coker's Hill.

The development has ten-suite bedrooms, a caretaker's flat on the second floor for the owner. Therefore 19 car parking spaces would be required in accordance with the stated minimum 1.5 car parking spaces per bedroom.

Members are being recommended today to approve the scheme subject to necessary amendments and a reduction in car parking spaces.