New flats will be built on the former Dereham library site after Breckland councillors approved a planning application today.

The scheme to build 12 flats was submitted by Acorn Building Services Norfolk, which created a new twist to a planning saga over the plot of land in Church Street.

In October 2007 a plan to demolish the library and build 10 new homes was refused consent, but in March 2008 a plan to demolish the library and construct 10 homes was approved.

Two years later, the former library was knocked down. The proposal to build 10 new homes still stands, according to a report for the most recent application.

The report added that the resubmitted scheme reflects the 2008 plans in terms of design and appearance.

As well as the town's conservation area, the Church Street site and is next to the Queen Mother's Garden.

The new flats will be in two blocks, with one fronting Church Street and the other to the back of the site, and they will have a 'broadly traditional' design.

Four affordable flats will also be incorporated into the plans.