A fresh blow has been dealt to a controversial bed and breakfast owner, best known for denying running a Japanese restaurant, after plans to extend his property were rejected by officials.
The government’s Planning Inspectorate has refused a bid to add a two-storey extension to Orlando Williams’ B&B.
Mr Williams has been locked in a battle with Norwich City Council since 2019, over whether he has been running an illegitimate Japanese restaurant from the site. The alleged eatery was not mentioned by inspectors.
The extension application was initially turned down by Norwich City Council in early 2022, leading Mr Williams to appeal to inspectors, who could overturn the decision.
However, the Planning Inspectorate has sided with the council, arguing the scheme would impact “the character and appearance of the area”.
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The plans submitted to the council show an expanded dining room, as well as a separate breakfast area and two seating areas, as well as two extra bedrooms.
The inspector said: “[The extension] would also present a highly dominant feature when seen from the rear of surrounding gardens on Earlham Road.
“It would also be clearly visible from some private views including from the rear windows of houses and gardens on Gipsy Lane, in which it would appear incongruous and intrusive to the character and appearance of the host dwelling and the row of detached properties.”
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The inspector rejected Mr Williams' comments that it would help provide more income during a time of rising running costs.
They added: "These temporary personal circumstances would not outweigh the permanent harm I have identified above.”
A great deal of attention has been cast on the business in recent weeks, with the business owner accused of "making a mockery of the law" after using delivery services for its food and receiving a two-star hygiene rating.
Mr Williams declined to comment.
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