The development of a partly derelict area in a Norfolk town could be kick-started after the go-ahead was given by councillors to build a new warehouse.

North Norfolk News: The new building could be similar to this one. Pictures: Planning documentsThe new building could be similar to this one. Pictures: Planning documents (Image: Archant)

Plans for the single-storey building in Hornbeam Road, North Walsham were approved by North Norfolk district councillors on Thursday, June 6.

Concerns had been raised that the nearest residential properties to the new building were only 42m away.

But Birchwood's Building's proposals were approved with conditions on delivery and opening hours.

The meeting heard that other businesses were ready to move onto the site, which will include a veterinary surgery, office spaces and a car park, and most of the new houses had already been built there.

Councillor Angie Fitch-Tillett said: "I'm very pleased that, at long last, a bit more development is coming on this site.

"It has stood empty for far too long. I think it was 12 years ago that the site was approved for development, but it's never quite happened."

Fellow councillor Nigel Pearce added: "This is a very sensible proposal."

And local member Nigel Lloyd said: "I welcome the employment land and the planting of trees. The controversial nature was its proximity to residential properties."

The site is brownfield land which was previously HL Foods production and factory premises.

The meeting heard that Screwfix had expressed an interest in moving onto the site.

The approved plans are for use as either storage/distribution and/or plumbers/ builders/tiling/ flooring wholesale merchants, with associated car parking and cycle store.

Conditions include delivery hours to be restricted to 7.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 5pm on Saturday, and not on Sundays or bank holidays. The operating hours will also be restricted to 7.30am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 6pm on Saturdays and 10am to 4pm on Sundays, bank and public holidays.

The site, which is south of the railway line, forms part of a bigger development, established as a site for 400 homes and five hectares of employment land, public open space and car parking for the train station. The plans were recommended for approval, despite objections from North Walsham Town Council.