Potter Heigham Old Bridge Hotel could be rebuilt after fire

The Old Bridge Hotel had sat on the banks of the Thurne - next to the medieval Potter Heigham bridge - since the late 1800s.

But in the 1990s, it was badly damaged in a catastrophic fire, thought to have been caused by an electrical fault.

What the site looks like today near the Potter Heigham bridge (Image: Google)

Permission was granted shortly after in 1993 to demolish the property and rebuild the former pub.

The bulldozers were sent in, but attempts since then to restore the building have been unsuccessful.

Most recently, developer Nick Mackmin failed in a bid to create eight one-bedroom and four two-bedroom flats for holiday use, along with a restaurant and covered car park.

This was blocked by the Planning Inspectorate - the government department that presides over planning disputes - due to flooding concerns.

However, Mr Mackmin has now been successful in gaining a certificate of lawful development.

This is because he has been able to prove that building work was already started in 1993 due to the demolition work, meaning his earlier planning permission is still valid.

This means the original application to reinstate the building, with the addition of dining and toilet facilities, can still go ahead. 

But Mr Mackmin's dreams of rebuilding the historic hotel face a fresh hurdle.

The site is close to Potter Heigham Bridge, a scheduled monument

The Broads Authority (BA) has lodged a bid to protect several willow trees growing on land within the hotel site.

If successful, it could cause problems for the rebuilding of the hotel.

But the BA is already facing backlash for the Tree Protection Order (TPO) from the local parish council.

Repps with Bastwick Parish Council objected to the move, claiming the trees do not "contribute to the wider amenity of the site" and they worry the roots are damaging the river bank."

A decision is due soon on whether to make the TPO permanent. 

The Old Bridge Hotel in the early 1900s (Image: Broadland Memories)

LOST LANDMARK

The Old Bridge Hotel was a popular destination on the Broads and was once owned by Norwich-based Bullard's Brewery.

It is thought there may have been an inn at the site ever since the medieval bridge was constructed in the 11th century.