A bid to demolish a Norfolk village pub and build homes in its place has taken a new twist after concerns were raised that petrol tanks were buried in its car park.

The Decoy Tavern, on Beccles Road in Fritton, would be knocked down if the applicant, Brian Newson, got permission to do so from Great Yarmouth Borough Council (GYBC).

Plans show three detached homes would be built in its place.

But this latest application, which was lodged a year after the same applicant lost an appeal to demolish the historic building, has been dealt a new blow.

A parish council meeting heard councillors only agreed to support the bid providing a "subsurface" review of the site is carried out.

Google street view of the Decoy Tavern in Fritton taken in September 2024Google street view of the Decoy Tavern in Fritton taken in September 2024 (Image: Google) It is because of fears that the petrol tanks, which are believed to have been buried "under a section" of the car park "many years ago", may cause environmental harm.

One neighbour, who objected to the plans in the planning portal, claims that any "leakage" from the "rusted and deteriorated" petrol tanks could seep into Fritton Lake and the River Waveney.

A report from the meeting states that "GYBC will ensure the developer undertakes all relevant
searches" as part of the planning policy.

In total, nine councillors voted to support the development and one councillor voted to object to it so the application was approved under one condition.

The borough council will make the final decision.

Google street view of the Decoy TavernGoogle street view of the Decoy Tavern (Image: Google) The condition was: "The developer must undertake a subsurface phase two survey at the site to determine the location of the old petrol tanks that had been buried there and to determine the condition of the tanks to prevent any possible contamination.”

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A pub has been on the site since 1841 and has variously been named Pot in Hand and Bird in Hand. 

The nearest other pub in the area is The Bell at St Olaves which is less than one mile away. 

To view the plans in full search reference number 06/24/0247/F in Great Yarmouth Borough Council's planning portal.