A city grandma is set to fulfil her dream of opening a florist shop in the grounds of a Grade-II listed hall.

Tracey Cunningham, 53, is preparing to launch Vintage Rose Flowers in Ketteringham Hall after months of delays.

The business owner, from Cringleford, said: "I'm euphoric.

Tracey Cunningham is the owner of the upcoming floristry businessTracey Cunningham is the owner of the upcoming floristry business (Image: Tracey Cunningham)

"There was a point when we didn't think it would be going ahead.

"It was very stressful - I don't know what I would have done if it was refused.

"This is more than I could have ever dreamed of having."

Ketteringham Hall is a Tudor mansionKetteringham Hall is a Tudor mansion near Wymondham (Image: Sonya Duncan) Ms Cunningham had originally hoped to open the shop in September but the opening date has now been pushed back to January because of delays with the planning application. 

Ketteringham Hall was built in the 15th century and was a Tudor manor before being used by US Air Force personnel stationed at nearby RAF Hethel during the Second World War and later as a school.

The plans submitted by Steve Cullum to pop a cabin on the site for the florists were initially rejected by South Norfolk Council at the end of October. 

However, Mr Cullum appealed the decision and it was quickly overturned two weeks later.

A render of what the cabin could look likeA render of what the cabin could look like (Image: South Norfolk Council) Ms Cunningham was delighted when she heard the news. 

She said: "This has been a dream of mine for many years.

"My father was a rose grower who often attended the Chelsea Flower Show.

"The name is a tribute to him."

Tracey is euphoric to finally be opening her own shopTracey is euphoric to finally be opening her own shop (Image: Tracey Cunningham)

The 53-year-old mother and grandmother spent 10 years in and out of hospital with a series of "uncontrollable" ulcerative colitis flare-ups, chronic pancreatitis and the discovery of pre-cancerous cells in the lining of her womb.

She said: "After I became unwell a few years ago, I started training in floristry at Easton College and am now qualified and stable enough to run my own shop.

"Now, I'm hoping to end my working life on a high with a thriving business that I can pass on to someone else."