Homes to rise from ashes of former arson-hit pub

An "eyesore" site where a former pub targeted in an arson attack had fallen into disrepair is to be transformed into new homes nearly a decade after it closed.

Work has started to build 87 social rent homes for over-55s on the former Griffin pub in Yarmouth Road, Thorpe St Andrew, on the outskirts of Norwich.

It was derelict for several years with efforts to demolish it refused. But that changed after fire destroyed much of it in 2021 with plans to knock it down approved just days later.

Ian Mackie, Conservative county councillor for the area, said many people living locally were pleased to see the "eyesore" given a new lease of life.

Spades have now gone in the ground as work begins to build the self-contained apartments, each with their own balconies or patios.

Facilities will also include a laundry room, lounge area and mobility scooter store, along with 'extra care' services including a restaurant and hair salon.

A 24/7 on-site care team will also help residents live independently.

The development, delivered with grant funding from Homes England and Norfolk County Council, is among similar care schemes being developed in Stalham, Hunstanton, Fakenham and Norwich.

A pub has stood on the site since at least the 1800s, but The Griffin closed in 2017.

Margaret Thomas, Reform UK deputy cabinet member for adult social care and public health at Norfolk County Council, said the scheme signalled another step in the council's promise to "provide inclusive, accessible housing that supports people to live well in their communities".

The Griffin pub is not the only derelict site in Thorpe St Andrew that has suffered a fire in recent years.

The former St Andrew's Hospital, the Pinebanks centre and Langley School on Beech Hill, were all badly affected by fires believed to be arson attacks.

Mackie said: "Some of these buildings which are earmarked for development do burn down and people make their own ideas on why.

"But mostly, it's because they are empty and attract, unwanted visitors and sadly they do burn down and are subject to vandalism."

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