A Norwich landmark which has stood in the Fine City for more than 400 years could become a new home under plans lodged with the city council.
The owner of Garsett House, between Cinema City and The Halls in Princes Street, is hoping to transform the former office building into a four-bedroom home.
With its vibrant pink exterior and period features, the 16th century grade II listed property is one of the most eye-catching buildings in Norwich.
It is said the former merchant's house - which dates back to 1589 - was constructed from pieces of timber from sunken Spanish Armada vessels, a story emphasised by the plaster carving of a Spanish galleon on the outside - though this has never been proven.
It was a residential property from the medieval period until the early 20th century, when it was used as office space until 2022.
It was most recently used by a local company and housed over 20 employees with six separate offices.
The house was originally twice its current size but half the building had to be pulled down in 1898 to make way for a link road from Redwell Street so trams could navigate around the tight corner at Princes Street.
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The latest plans would see the basement converted into a space for a games room - with the ground floor consisting of a kitchen, bathroom and utility room.
The first floor would feature one bedroom and a living room, while the second floor would be transformed into three bedrooms and a bathroom.
Plans submitted to the city council state: "The proposals for the listed building generally preserve the floor plan of the building with the exception of the removal of the wall between rooms on the ground floor.
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"The proposals do alter the aesthetic character of two rooms but these changes are minor and reversible.
"The impact is at the very low end of less than substantial harm and is offset by the fact that the special interest is retained ... and the building will have a sustainable, long-term use which it has not had for a number of years."
City Hall's planning officers hope to decide on the application by April 18.
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