Plans to build cabin at Ketteringham Hall to be considered

South Norfolk Council has been advised by its planning officers to block the application to build a home for a new florist business in the grounds of Ketteringham Hall. 

The plans lodged by Steve Cullum, who is responsible for the maintenance of the Grade II-listed property, set out a vision for a "discreet" addition within the grounds.

However, council officers say the green-painted log cabin would "appear alien" next to the hall and have advised against allowing construction to go ahead.

Ketteringham Hall was built in the 15th century and was a Tudor manor before being used by US air force personnel stationed at nearby RAF Hethel during the Second World War and later as a school.

Ketteringham Hall dates back centuries (Image: Archant) The premises was bought by the Chapman family, the founders of Lotus, in 1970 and since then the estate has been used for office and business space. It also has a small retail area and a cafe.

The plans lodged with South Norfolk Council sought to permit the building of a new log cabin next to the hall to accommodate a small florist business, Vintage Rose Flowers, which would be open between 10am and 4pm five days a week. 

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While this was intended to be a "simple" and "discreet" addition to the grounds, council officers have raised concerns about the impact on its surroundings.

They said: "The design is not a traditional English style of rural outbuilding, and it is also constructed in simple low-status materials.

"It will therefore look incongruous and appear alien when seen within the historic surrounding context of high-status architectural buildings set within a designed parkland landscape.

"This would be a utilitarian structure detracting from the hall in this location and result in harm to its setting."

They have advised councillors to refuse the application at a meeting next week.