Concerns over plans for 50 homes in Dibden Road in Norwich

Hemingford Group wants to demolish the former Van Dal shoe factory in Dibden Road in NR3 to make way for 48 new homes.

But Norfolk County Council's Historic Environment department has questioned the "total loss of the shoe factory building" and asked the applicant to submit a full heritage statement before the plans are discussed at City Hall. 

The former shoe factory in Dibden Road (Image: Denise Bradley)

A letter sent to Norwich City Council states "reservations regarding total loss of the shoe factory building and also regard as an undesignated heritage asset".

It continues: "There has been an accumulation of loss of buildings related to the shoe industry outside Norwich city centre.

"As a minimum, the relevant historic environment record should have been consulted and the heritage assets assessed using appropriate expertise where necessary

"As discussed with the applicants, we recommend a heritage statement is submitted with the application."

An artist's impression of the proposed development in Dibden Road (Image: Gary Johns Architects)

The application comes amid plans to convert the former Norvic Shoe Company site at St George's Works, off Muspole Street, into 54 homes and retail space.

A number of other buildings associated with the Fine City's formerly thriving shoe industry have been demolished in recent years.

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Speaking on the latest plans for Dibden Road, one homeowner told City Hall: "As everyone should know, the boot and shoe industry for Norwich has huge significance from a historical perspective.

"Factory buildings associated with this industry are increasingly rare reminders of this period of the city's commercial and industrial past. 

"The Dibden Road building should be converted, not demolished.

Plans have also been lodged for 54 homes at St George's Works (Image: Norwich City Council)

"From what I can make of the new proposals for the site the design seems to be little better than a brick prison block of limited architectural merit: in my opinion certainly not as pleasing to the eye as that which currently exists.

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"I object to any proposal for full demolition here and strongly suggest some deference is shown to Norwich's past."

Vandals have targeted the former shoe factory since Van Dal moved out in 2018.

Yobs have forced entry by breaking down boards and smashing windows, while others have sprayed graffiti across the historic building.