Go-ahead for 10-bed 'party house' in Wells-next-the-Sea

North Norfolk District Council's development committee has agreed planning permission to convert a former youth hostel at Wells-next-the-Sea.

The green light came despite fears the development would prevent members of the town's Women's Institute from accessing their hall to the rear of the building on Church Plain.

Wells town councillor Roger Arguile told the committee meeting at North Norfolk's council chamber in Cromer the proposals would "kill" the WI, because members would not be able to attend meetings in their vehicles.

The Wells WI hall which stands behind the former youth hostel (Image: Chris Bishop)

He said the application was "ill-considered" and the building would be better used for affordable housing.

Developer Tom Leahy said he owned six similar properties as part of a boutique brand and intended to invest £1.5m in the Wells hostel.

He said as an architect he was used to objections and had responded by increasing the number parking spaces from six to eight to make access easier and removed a set of gates from the plans.

He said his properties elsewhere had not received a single noise complaint this year, adding: "I am confident I can bring the objectors with me and show them what a good neighbour we will be."

Ward councillor Peter Fisher said there had been 60 objections to the application to convert the youth hostel, which was in one of the quietest areas of town.

He said the WI had enjoyed unrestricted access for many years but now members would no longer be able to drive up to their door.

A report to councillors earlier said access to the WI hall was a civil matter between landowners.

Nine councillors voted in favour of the plans, with three abstentions and two against.