Plans to build new homes at a derelict builder’s yard have been turned down due to it being a business site, despite it NEVER having been used.

Officials at Norwich City Council rejected the application to build four houses on the site at Hellesdon Hall Road, Hellesdon.

Norwich City Council said the proposed plans would result in the loss of land designated for employment useNorwich City Council said the proposed plans would result in the loss of land designated for employment use (Image: Hardy Planners)

They said the “proposal would result in the loss of land designated for employment use".

But lettings and real estate agents, Hellesdon Barns, who are behind the application believed the 1200 sqm scrubland was ideal for a small housing development.

Hardy Planners submitted a statement on behalf of Hellesdon Barns saying: "While the site is within an employment area designation, it has always been scrubland.

The proposed plan was to build four new homes at a parcel of shrubland south of Hellesdon Hall Road, HellesdonThe proposed plan was to build four new homes at a parcel of shrubland south of Hellesdon Hall Road, Hellesdon (Image: Hardy Planners)

“It's never been in any use, let alone employment or industrial.

"It is a small parcel of land to the north of Hellesdon Barns which presents an opportunity to use it efficiently and effectively for residential use."

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The four dwellings on the site would have included associated parking, gardens and amenity areas.

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But officials at Norwich City Council rejected the plans saying the "proposal would result in the loss of land designated for employment use".

The council also claimed there was "no convincing evidence" that the land is not required for employment and the loss of it not being justified.

It added the proposed change of use of the land would "disrupt the character" of the employment area and lead to a "harmful mixture" of uses to it.

Hellesdon Barns is home to a number of different business outletsHellesdon Barns is home to a number of different business outlets (Image: Newsquest)

The site used to be designated as being in the Health and Safety Executive area for Briar Chemicals, who stopped operating there some years ago.

It was then redeveloped as Hellesdon Barns - a shopping complex home to Millbank Sectional Buildings, Potmania, Curtains and Curiosities, Hold Fast Tattoo, Emporium Norwich and Doxi Cocktails.