Possible noise issues could thwart a proposed application to convert an unused office block near the city centre.

Plans for an empty office block located along the busy Grapes Hill road require further investigation after concerns were raised by the Norwich City Council's environmental protection team last week.

Comments on the application highlighted an issue around potential noise for any prospective tenants from the neighbouring roads and businesses.

It said: "We have looked at the details submitted with this application and we have concerns regarding noise from both the road and neighbouring commercial businesses. 

Concerns regarding noise from both the road and neighbouring commercial businesses have been raisedThere are concerns about noise from both the road and neighbouring businesses  (Image: Google Maps)

"Therefore we require a noise impact assessment which considers the impact of these sources on this property and proposed mitigation measures if required." 

If plans are approved the building will be transformed into a three-bedroom house.

The building comprises a two-storey commercial office premises in the middle of a small terrace, including 4-5 St Benedict’s View to the north and residential flats to the south. 

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According to One Planning Consultants, acting as agents on behalf of applicant James Reeve, the office, next to the recently opened Cloud Coffee Bar, was last used as an office in 2021.

The office block is located along Grapes Hill, near the city centreThe office block is located along Grapes Hill, near the city centre (Image: Google Maps)

It added: "Intervening uses of the property appear to have comprised therapy rooms and a rehearsal space.

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"The building has since been refurbished internally for what appears to be residential use, prior to our client acquiring the property, and may have been let as a short-hold tenancy residential use for a period of time in 2022.

"The proposal would make efficient use of a vacant unit that has been empty for several years and makes a positive contribution to the housing supply of Norwich City Council within a highly sustainable location.

"Overall, the benefits of the proposal are considered to significantly outweigh any potential harm."

According to the agent the building hasn't been used as an office since 2021According to the agent the building hasn't been used as an office since 2021 (Image: Google Maps)