Developers behind a major housing proposal for the city's former Debenhams department store have given an update on why full plans are yet to emerge.

In the summer, developers Stanford Real Estate and planning consultants Lanpro revealed their vision for the prominent city centre building, in Orford Place. 

Dubbed "Orford House", the development would see almost an entirely new structure built with shops on the first two floors and 400 student flats on the other floors. 

Norwich Evening News: A project timeline laid out by Lanpro shows the firm planned to submit a full application in AugustA project timeline laid out by Lanpro shows the firm planned to submit a full application in August (Image: Lanpro)

In a schedule laid out by Lanpro, a public consultation was to be held in June that would be followed by a full planning submission in August. 

But four months later, a formal application is yet to be lodged with Norwich City Council. 

READ MORE: Korean police could 'expand' investigation into City loan striker's sex scandal

Ben Burgess, Lanpro regional director, said: "Work is still progressing towards submission of a full application for Orford House but as is often the case with projects of this size some slight delays have been encountered. 

"I would expect the application to be submitted in the near future."

Norwich Evening News: Two floors of shops and accommodation for 400 students would replace the former department store Two floors of shops and accommodation for 400 students would replace the former department store (Image: Lanpro)

The building opened in 1956 after the previous Curls Brothers store on the site was destroyed in a 1942 Second World War air raid.

The building had been home to Debenhams until it closed in May 2021 as the company closed 30 stores around the country.

READ MORE: Ryanair will fly to THREE new Mediterranean destinations from Norwich Airport

As part of potential demolition plans, the existing building could be knocked down to all but the basement and ground floor.

Norwich Evening News: Debenhams closed in Norwich in May 2021 Debenhams closed in Norwich in May 2021 (Image: Denise Bradley)

The various sections of the building would vary in height, but at its tallest, it would be three storeys higher than the current, six-floor, building.

As well as its online application, Lanpro held a consultation event in association with Benchmark Architects at The Forum on Friday, June 23 to inform the final application.

However, a city council spokesman confirmed its planning department had not yet received plans from the developers.