Plans are being made to bring a slice of Italy to mid-Norfolk.

An application has been lodged with Breckland Council to turn the former hairdresser and beauty salon at 30-32 High Street to an Italian restaurant.

The proposal for the ground floor of Grade II includes installing a round pizza oven, cold room and bar, and seating for 42 diners. 

The plans say: “The application building does lie within Dereham Conservation Area and it has been characterised as a Grade II listed building. The site is occupied by a three-storey building.

“The proposed change of use on the ground floor results in additional employment to the premise.

"This is beneficial for the local job seekers and will support the local employment.

"The proposal will cause no harm to the adjoining properties and intends to benefit the immediate and wider surrounding area by increasing the job positions and the visitors to the area.” 

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The unit was most recently occupied by Elle Belle's hairdressers and beauty salon, which moved to a new location at 27 Wellington Road in July. 

The shop has been used by a number of different businesses over the years, including Unicorn Computers, Runners gallery and framing, Pussycatz clothing and Barrett and Coe photography studios. 

The two upper floors of the building would remain as flats. 

Dereham Times: A planning application has been lodged to Breckland Council to see a change of use at 30-32 Dereham High Street, formally Barrett & Coe of Dereham, to a new Italian restaurant on the ground floorA planning application has been lodged to Breckland Council to see a change of use at 30-32 Dereham High Street, formally Barrett & Coe of Dereham, to a new Italian restaurant on the ground floor (Image: Aaron McMillan)

The plans say there would be no external changes to the building apart from ducting at the back.

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The plans say: “This proposal will use the friendliest materials for the internal changes which will be used at the very best quality to ensure the local environment benefits of the changes only.

"The design will be made to fit the existing building.”

To view the application, go to Breckland's planning portal and look up the reference -     3PL/2023/0971/LB