A bid to repurpose a former solicitors building into residential housing has raised concerns that it will take business out of Dereham town centre.

The building, which was previously occupied by the law firm now known as Ward Gethin Archer, could be converted into a six-bedroom property on Market Place after an application was submitted to Breckland Council.

The application by Weidong Xu was to determine whether approval was needed to convert the building into a six-bedroom property with en suite facilities.

However, Dereham Town Council has shared concerns that the transformation would take business out of the area, and has requested a full planning application be made.

Dereham Times: The building is on the same street as the former Akaash Tandoori Restaurant, which is also empty.The building is on the same street as the former Akaash Tandoori Restaurant, which is also empty. (Image: Denise Bradley)
Norfolk County Council also advised cycle parking "meets the needs of occupiers for the proposed development" to encourage the use of more sustainable modes of transport.

"Although there are no onsite vehicle parking facilities, the town centre location is in close proximity to both public transport and a car park," said Rachel Line, highways development management officer.

The building is located on the same street as the former Akaash Tandoori restaurant, which has been derelict since 2015 when its owners abandoned the building.