Council approves redevelopment, creating jobs at builders’ merchant

Date published: 12th April 2022

North Norfolk District Council has approved planning permission for the change of use of the former Davenport Magic Kingdom building in North Walsham from an entertainment venue to a builders’ merchant.

The large building located on Cromer Road was previously the location of the family magic-themed attraction, which went into administration in 2017 after a legal dispute.

The building has been sitting empty since 2017, until planning permission for change of use of the building was requested in 2021.

Permission for the redevelopment of the site was granted on April 11, 2022 and the groundwork and demolition of partially demolished buildings has already started.

The builders’ merchant is expected to bring between 15 and 30 jobs to the local area with planning permission granted for a warehouse, retail space, trade counter, offices and outside yard.

Cllr. Richard Kershaw, portfolio holder for Sustainable Growth, said:

“It is pleasing to see planning permission granted for this application. The site has been an eyesore since Crane Fruehauf vacated it and it is good to see new jobs created here. The site already looks much improved with the removal of the rusting steelworks.

I am also pleased to see that the Environment Agency has addressed and approved the drainage issues. Hopefully, we can now move on and develop the rest of the site.”

This building is not overnight accommodation so Nutrient Neutrality has not prevented this development and drainage strategies have been fully considered.