Jack Warren

Norwich City Council has approved plans for Nizolas Hair and Beauty on St Leonards Road to install two new signs. One sign will display the business name above the entrance, while a projecting sign will be illuminated during business hours.

Plans submitted by LNT Care Developments could see a 66-bed specialist care home built on the former Bartram Mowers site on Bluebell Road, Norwich. The facility would provide round-the-clock care for older people, create up to 60 jobs, encourage community connections and potentially reduce pressure on NHS services. Norwich City Council will consider the proposal.

The Historic Churches Trust has submitted plans to Norwich City Council to repair the unstable west wall of the Grade I-listed St Gregory’s Church in Norwich. About 10 square metres of crumbling flintwork would be dismantled and rebuilt with hot lime mortar, addressing a potential collapse onto the busy St Gregory’s Alley and preventing further damage to the historic building. The church now houses St Gregory’s Antiques and Collectables and is noted for its medieval wall paintings.

Plans have been submitted to convert the White Cottages and East Wards buildings at Norwich’s historic Great Hospital into five one-bedroom flats, intended as sheltered housing. The site, founded by Bishop Walter Suffield in the 1200s, is within Norwich’s city-centre conservation area and forms part of the Norwich 12 heritage collection. Planning documents say earlier alterations harmed the buildings’ heritage interest, while plant rooms and a north-east extension used for storage would remain, with only minimal changes proposed.

Fisherman Matthew Jameson says human waste, litter, fires and alleged antisocial behaviour by anglers are damaging the Ferry Lane fishery beside the River Yare near Postwick. He argues that the Environment Agency lacks the resources to manage the site properly and has offered to take over its management through a volunteer group, potentially developing it into a premier fishing venue. The Environment Agency was contacted for comment.

A major fire at Norwich’s Mousehold Heath was described by the operation leader as the worst seen at the reserve in 20 years. Around 50 firefighters using six pumps battled flames across three areas, with crews remaining overnight and returning to dampen hotspots. The cause remains unknown, although discarded solar eclipse glasses, a cigarette or glass were suggested as possibilities. Nearby residents described fear and sadness, while others raised concerns about injured wildlife. The fire was brought under control, but people were urged to avoid the area while crews continued monitoring it.