Plans are afoot to demolish an office block overlooking a broad on the outskirts of Norwich to replace it with 14 flats.

Windsor House in Thorpe St Andrew, which overlooks Whitlingham in Yarmouth Road, is currently unoccupied and described as being of "low visual quality" by developers who want to make it a modern apartment block aimed at over-55s.

Plans lodged with the Broads Authority would see the 1,478sqm site feature 14 "energy-efficient" homes and gain a larger car park with space for 25 vehicles.

Flats will be split into 11 two-bedroom apartments, a one-bedroom apartment and two three-bedroom apartments.

Norwich Evening News: How the planned new development would lookHow the planned new development would look (Image: SMG Architects)

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SMG Architects who are overseeing the project say all homes will have a balcony with a river view and the site will fit in with the character of the area.

A statement issued with the application read: "The general aesthetic of the building will take into consideration the fact that the site lies within a conservation area and is within a reasonable distance of the Grade II listed gazebo on the opposite side of the road.

"We plan to adopt a more contemporary aesthetic but will incorporate a sensitive material pallet to minimize visual impact."

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The building will be a similar colour to the surrounding woodland in order to help it fit in.

Norwich Evening News: Windsor House in its current guiseWindsor House in its current guise (Image: Google Maps)

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An objection from the Broads Authority historic environment manager, Kate Knights, said that while she welcomed the demolition of the building she did not feel the plans would enhance the conservation area.

She said: "As it stands I object to the proposal on the basis that it is considered it would cause less than substantial harm to the Thorpe St Andrew Conservation Area which would not be outweighed by public benefit.

"It does not sufficiently enhance the cultural heritage of the designated Broads Executive area and is not designed to minimise adverse impacts."

She also added that she felt the design was not a "particularly high standard of design and materials".

Those wishing to comment on the application have until April 11 and it is hoped a decision will be made by June 19.