Concerns over plans for work on grade II listed building in Cromer

Plans to renovate and update a grade II listed building in Cromer are set to be recommended for refusal by planning officers who say the proposals would lead to a loss of 'historic fabric' in the town.

Two planning applications have been submitted, for internal alterations, the erection of a replacement rear extension and installation of dormer windows at Cliffside, in Surrey Street Cromer.

The plans are set to be discussed by North Norfolk District Council's planning committee on Thursday .

Objections to the proposals have been made by Cromer Preservation Society, which although supporting the proposed maintenance and remedial work, is strongly opposed to the removal of a ground floor sash window which would be replaced with French doors and the insertion of two new dormer windows.

They say the proposed scale is too large and would destroy the current architectural balance.

Other objections to the dormer windows and sash window replacement have been received from campaign groups, Save Britain's Heritage and the Georgian Group.

The council's conservation, design and landscape manager has said the majority of the works would either enhance or have a neutral impact, including re-pointing and coursing the flint, a proposal to remove the earth and rubble from the front garden and reconstruction of the bay window. The internal work is also considered to be acceptable.

But they said they had 'serious concerns' with the removal of the sash window and the two dormer windows, which outweighed the other benefits.

Officers have recommended refusal of the plans on the basis of the loss of historic fabric and the resulting damage to the special interest of the listed building.