Former Norfolk coach depot to be demolished to make way for new …

The former base of a Norfolk coach company which operated for almost 80 years is set to be demolished to make way for new housing. Developers want to build four new homes at Spratts Garage in Wreningham, near Hethel.

It was previously the base of Spratts Coaches, once a Norfolk institution, which closed its doors in 2018, having traded since the 1940s. The site, which sits in the heart of the village opposite the primary school, has become derelict after being unused for five years.

The plan, which is going before South Norfolk Council next week, will see workshops and other commercial buildings demolished to make way for the homes and garages. Wreningham Parish Council has given its support to the scheme.

It said: “Whilst the closure of Spratts Coaches was met with sadness, the village has become aware of the nature of unused and derelict land at the centre of the village and therefore the intention to develop the site for residential use is appreciated. This application presents an opportunity to improve the nature of the very core of the village.”

Planning rules mean that land should only change from employment use to housing if developers can show it is no longer practical to stay in its current form.

A report by SNC’s planning officials ahead of next Wednesday’s development committee said: “The site is currently vacant and there has been no interest expressed in taking it on as a commercial site since the business closed. The applicant has investigated the potential for other commercial uses such as offices but has been advised by a chartered surveyor in a report submitted as part of the application that such uses are unlikely to be viable due to the site’s location well away from established employment locations.”

The officers have recommended the plan for approval.