The controversial decision to close Norwich's Wensum Lodge and sell off part of the complex is to come before councillors again - after opponents demanded a rethink.

The Conservative-controlled cabinet at Norfolk County Council recently agreed to cease adult learning services at the King Street building.

Eastern Daily Press: Wensum LodgeWensum Lodge (Image: Archant)

Margaret Dewsbury, cabinet member for communities and partnerships had said Wensum Lodge was "no longer fit for purpose".

Eastern Daily Press: Margaret DewsburyMargaret Dewsbury (Image: Archant)

She said, after the Covid pandemic, people were increasingly looking to do courses online.

Councillors also agreed to declare the building, used for adult learning since the 1960s, surplus to the council's requirements - paving the way for it to be sold.

But those decisions have been "called-in" by Labour councillors, which means the matter will come before County Hall's scrutiny committee.

Eastern Daily Press: Emma Corlett, deputy leader of the Labour group at Norfolk County CouncilEmma Corlett, deputy leader of the Labour group at Norfolk County Council (Image: Archant)

Emma Corlett, deputy leader of the Labour group, led the call-in, on the grounds that proper processes had not been followed.

She said councillors had not been provided with sufficient information, including exactly why a 2019 mooted £20m redevelopment of the complex had been scrapped.

Eastern Daily Press: The proposed revamp plan for Wensum Lodge was scrappedThe proposed revamp plan for Wensum Lodge was scrapped (Image: Hudson Architects)

And she said proper consultation with other councillors and the public had not taken place.

READ MORE: Norwich's Wensum Lodge Jewish antisemitism museum plan

She said: "Not only are these decisions against council policy, ill-informed and poorly consulted on, they show a disappointing lack of respect.

"There were exciting plans under development, which were supported and worked on by users, stakeholders, architects, council officers and councillors.

"Of course, Covid got in the way, but that didn’t stop the council refurbishing parts of County Hall or building the new car park. Covid is no excuse.

"Instead they ride roughshod over council policy. Cabinet has let down everybody without bothering to look for solutions, consulting them or bothering to talk to them."

The cross-party scrutiny committee has the power to ask the cabinet to reconsider its decision.

Eastern Daily Press: Ben PriceBen Price (Image: Norwich Greens)

More than 5,000 people have signed a petition set up by Ben Price, leader of the Green group, at County Hall, calling on the council to reconsider its decision and to revive the creative hub redevelopment plan.