Bungalow bid at East Winch PO
A SCHEME to build a new bungalow for the postmaster in East Winch fell under the watchful eye of council planners on Thursday.
Members of West Norfolk Council's development control board were due on site at 11am to take a closer look at the proposal in Ashwicken Road which, if approved, will see living accommodation built alongside the village post office.
The application was recommended for refusal at a board meeting on Monday, but a decision was deferred in favour of a site visit.
A report to members stated the plans should be rejected as the bungalow would fall beyond the defined settlement boundary of the village.
It adds: "It is considered that there is adequate provision elsewhere to house the postmaster and no need for a dwelling on this remote site.
"Should the post office prove unviable, or Royal Mail decides to close it, the dwelling would be left in the long term, in an unsustainable location."
However, the plans have been backed by the parish council, which has supported the application in the hope it will help retain a much-needed service in the village.
And a supporting statement from postmaster Miss Sophie Marston reveals the bungalow will play a key role in the business plan for the site as the post office has been granted planning permission for an extension to create a general store.
The report reads: "The applicant states that the continued viability of the site as a store and post office is linked directly to the ability of the postmaster to reside on site which will enable opportunities to further establish the post office as a key facility for local residents."
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Weather for King's Lynn
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: East
