Plans to demolish former South Norfolk Council offices, in Long Stratton, despite opposition

A Norfolk council has lodged plans to demolish its former headquarters – despite a local push to save the building.

South Norfolk House, the former South Norfolk Council offices in Long Stratton, could be knocked down under the proposals.

The authority agreed to sell the building to its own housing development company, Big Sky, after it moved to a new base at Broadland Business Park in 2023.

There have been efforts from campaigners, backed by South Norfolk MP Ben Goldsborough, to save the building and keep it in community use.

South Norfolk House opened in 1979 and was designed by Michael Innes, the architect behind Norwich’s Castle Quarter and the redesign of Norwich Market.

Campaigners have sought to give the Cygnet Court building protection from demolition by awarding it listed status. However, this has been refused twice.

The issue has previously been raised in parliament by Mr Goldsborough, who said he was ‘deeply frustrated and disappointed’ by South Norfolk Council’s decision.

He added: “This is a building that could – and should – be repurposed for the benefit of our community.

“Demolition benefits no one except those who want to develop on the land.”

The planning application submitted by the council, which will be considered by its own planning department, seeks demolition of the site because it is ‘no longer fit for purpose’.

Councillors will also consider setting aside £370,000 for the cost of the works at a meeting next week.

There have already been some objections to the application lodged by residents who believe the building is not old enough to be demolished and could be repurposed.

The council agreed to sell South Norfolk House to Big Sky more than a year ago, but the deal has been stalled by uncertainty surrounding the listed status of the site. It was revealed earlier this year that the council was spending £250,000 annually on utility costs, insurance and business rates relating to the building.

Broadland Council, which now shares a headquarters with South Norfolk Council, has also faced issues with selling its former offices, Thorpe Lodge.

However, it has found a buyer for the Thorpe Lodge site, which includes a nuclear bunker and Grade-II listed stately home.