A bid to convert offices into housing in Great Yarmouth has been refused by planners.

The application was seeking to convert the former Yarmouth Stores building on South Quay into a terrace of five two-bedroom houses.

Papers submitted with the proposal said the scheme would "positively contribute" to the need for housing in the borough and bring a vacant property back into use.

Planners rejected the bid, however, as the site is in "a safeguarded employment area".

They said the applicant had not demonstrated the site could not be used for employment uses or for a mixed use development.

There were also concerns about the proposed houses providing a "cramped form of living accommodation" and a lack of rear gardens.

There were no objections to the proposal.

The applicant, David Fish of Bradwell-based Scroby Fayre Ltd, had previously sought prior approval for the bid, but planners at Great Yarmouth Borough Council said it was not considered permitted development.

The former Yarmouth Stores building was built in 1972, last used in 2018 and used to sell work clothing.