5 public notices to be aware of in Norfolk this week

1) Former pub could be turned into home

Plans to turn the former Gull Inn into a home have emerged. (Image: Google Maps)

A bid to turn the former Gull Inn near Norwich into a home has emerged.

The pub on the A146 at Framingham Pigot closed in September 2023, when its operators went into liquidation.

According to a report submitted with the plans, the site failed to attract a buyer despite being marketed and offered at auction four times.

In 2025, the pub sold in a post auction deal through Birmingham-based agents Bond Wolfe to a local investor known as Mr S Parry for £260,000.

The report says the site is too big for the level of trade it could attract and it would not make enough profit to justify the investment needed to reopen it.

Mr Parry has now submitted his scheme to South Norfolk Council.

2) Supermarket submits bid for cash-back bottle return machine

The Aldi store in Plumstead Road in Norwich. (Image: Google Maps)

Aldi plans bottle return machine outside Norwich store under new recycling scheme.

The scheme proposes a new reverse vending machine at the Plumstead Road store as part of a nationwide scheme that will allow shoppers to return empty drinks containers in exchange for cash vouchers.

Bosses at Aldi lodged plans with Norwich City Council to build a dedicated recycling unit in the car park of its store.

The new recycling point would be built on the corner of the site and house at least two of the machines which will accept plastic bottles and steel or aluminium drinks cans.

The plans are linked to the government's new Deposit Return Scheme, due to come into force in October 2027.

It will require large retailers such as Aldi to accept empty containers and refund customers a 20p deposit paid when drinks are purchased.

According to the plans the machines are expected to be heavily used, with around 38,000 container returns anticipated per store each week.

Customers will receive a voucher which can be redeemed in store, exchanged for cash or donated to charity, with Teenage Cancer Trust selected as Aldi's chosen charity.

3) Luxury glamping site could double in size under new plans

Plans to expand the site have emerged. (Image: South Norfolk Council)

A bid to expand a countryside glamping site near the city has emerged.

The plans seek retrospective permission for two existing glamping caravans and approval for two more on land near Low Street in Wicklewood, near Wymondham.

The scheme has been submitted to South Norfolk Council.

The site covers about 9,800 square metres of former grazing land and paddocks.

Proposals state the development would include four high-specification caravans for short-term holiday lets, parking spaces and lightweight decking areas.

The caravans are designed to have a minimal impact on the landscape, with most of the site remaining as natural grassland, hedgerows and trees.

The plans say the development would provide “another option for accommodation” in Norfolk and help attract visitors to the area.

They argue the site's rural location, close to Wymondham and within easy reach of Norwich, makes it an attractive tourism destination.

If approved, the completed site could accommodate up to 16 guests.

To view other developments happening near you, go to: Public Notice Portal

Find, save and share public notices at the  Public Notices Portal

4) Old car showroom could be turned into a 24-hour gym

Plans have been revealed for a gym to move into a former car showroom in Hellesdon. (Image: Google Maps)

A former car showroom on the outskirts of the city could be turned into a 24-hour gym.

Plans have emerged to turn the vacant showroom on Cromer Road in Hellesdon into a JD Gym, which operates 109 of the facilities across the UK.

If approved, the building would undergo a revamp to include changing rooms, showers, saunas and exercise studios.

Most of the work would take place inside the existing building, with few changes planned to the exterior.

The gym would be open to members around the clock.

Between 10 and 15 staff would be on site between 6am and 10pm, although no staff would be present overnight.

Planning documents say the proposal would bring the building back into use while supporting local jobs and the economy.

Agents on behalf of the applicant, Dacre Property Holdings Limited, said the nature of modern gym memberships typically "results in demand being spread across the day", with only a small proportion of gym-goers accessing facilities late at night or early in the morning.

They said: "As such, while the facility would be available 24 hours a day, actual levels of activity during the most sensitive hours would be limited, reducing the potential for any adverse amenity impacts.

"Accordingly, while the hours of operation would extend throughout the day and night, the proposal would not materially alter the prevailing character of the area or result in unacceptable impacts upon neighbouring occupiers."

They added: "Due consideration has been given to the design and impact of the proposals on the character of the surrounding area and the amenity of neighbouring properties as well as to the location of the proposal in the context of the retail hierarchy."

The application is awaiting a decision from Broadland District Council.

To view other developments happening near you, go to: Public Notice Portal.

5) Shepherd's huts and sauna planned for famous hotel and restaurant on Norfolk coast

Three shepherd’s huts and a sauna are set to be built at a top hotel and restaurant on the Norfolk coast. (Image: Simon Finlay)

Three shepherd’s huts and a sauna are set to be built at a top hotel and restaurant on the Norfolk coast.

North Norfolk District Council has agreed plans for the additions at Michelin-starred Morston Hall, between Wells and Blakeney.

A planning statement said the huts will provide extra accommodation at the 13-bedroom venue and each will have a small living area, bedroom and ensuite bathroom, along with a hot tub.

Proposals also included converting a redundant ice house in the grounds of the property into a sauna, which the statement said would prevent the building falling into disrepair and give it a new use linked to the hotel.

A report by the council's business development officer said the new facilities would "enhance the quality and diversity of visitor accommodation available at the site" and "strengthen the area's tourism offer".

Henry Elworthy, who bought the hotel last year from Galton and Tracy Blackiston who had run it for 30 years, said the proposals were "part of our long-term commitment to Morston and north Norfolk".