While anger has been growing over the impact of short term holiday lets on parts of the Norfolk coast, the second home boom has not yet spread as far inland as Downham Market.

Now Ady Coker has applied to convert a former beauty salon on the town's Paradise Road into a three-bed Airbnb.

Mr Coker says in a business plan submitted with his planning application: "There is a lack of quality accommodation within the town centre for visitors that can provide for more than two people, with the added addition of separate bathrooms, dining, lounge and kitchen area."

He adds the venture - called St Edmunds Brewery - would cater for couples, small groups of friends or families visiting the area for a town centre break, fishing on the local rivers or visiting business people.

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"The business will be managed by myself, having recently retired and living next door," he says.

"The goal is to basically cover the costs incurred by the business, building maintenance and day-to-day service charges with a small profit as a supplement to my pension."

Mr Coker says the property will be let out for £200 a night. He adds the proposed use will also enable an empty, poorly maintained building, in a prominent position along Paradise Road, to be enjoyed and brought back to its former glory. 

He adds: "By changing the use to short term accommodation, we will encourage visitors to Downham Market, and by the use of an information point inside, they will be encouraged to visit and spend money in the surviving shops, pubs and restaurants thus helping support the local economy and jobs."

A decision is expected from West Norfolk Council later this year.