Plans to turn offices into flats have been turned down over fears they would be cramped and suffer from noise from fairs and festivals.
A developer applied to convert offices along the frontage of Bishops Lynn House, in King's Lynn into four apartments.
But West Norfolk council has refused planning permission. Its decision notice states: "The proposed conversion from offices to flats would provide accommodation that is small, cramped and in some instances lacks appropriate natural light as a result of poor design.
"Insufficient information has been submitted with the application to satisfy the local planning authority that occupiers of the proposed development would not be unacceptably affected by noise or if mitigation that might address such impacts would be acceptable in terms of their impact on the form and fabric of the listed building."
The property overlooks the Tuesday Market Place, where the Lynn Mart is held every February.
Each summer, the square is the home of Festival Too, a free music bash which attracts thousands to Lynn.
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