Objections to Fresh Desh shop in Magdalen Street, Norwich

The owners of 20 Magdalen Street lodged plans in February to transform the former home of Ajman Miah and Company into a world food supermarket called Fresh Desh.

However, a number of objections have been submitted protesting against the removal of its shopfront saying the new design "does not sit well" with the building or street.

The proposed new shop would see owner Mr M Akbar install new fridges and also make alterations and renovations to the "dilapidated" shopfront.

The site in its current state (Image: Newsquest)

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Hanging signs will also be put up at the Grade III-listed shop and there are plans to strip out parts of the interior.

The latest objection, submitted on March 24, stated: "The proposals are for a heritage shopfront that should be maintained and made a feature of, not removed.

"Many other businesses in the area have updated shopfronts that make a feature of the timber and paintwork that makes Magdalen Street so interesting and unique.

"The proposed designs are not in keeping with the area at all, and are not necessary for the success of the business taking over the premises."

The plans have received three objections, all submitted in March, with one claiming the shop had been invested in by the city council for heritage projects in the 1950s and 1970s.

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Another objection submitted on March 8 reads: "The proposed design is a very bland affair, which does not sit well with the building itself or the surrounding area.

"The signage as shown in the documentation is particularly out of sympathy.

"The desired improvements could easily be achieved by restoration and repair.

"There are many examples of such an approach already in Magdalen Street, and the area has seen sympathetic restoration in the past."

It is hoped a council decision will be made by April 13.