A bid to convert an 'unattractive' building next to Great Yarmouth railway station into flats has been refused by planners.

The application was seeking a change of use for Vauxhall House, a commercial building off Acle New Road. 

It would have seen the first and second floors of the property converted into six flats.

The plan involved an extension to the first floor and an additional storey to form a second floor.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Planners have said that any development around North Quay and the railway station in Great Yarmouth must support plans for rejuvenating the area. Photo: GYBC.Planners have said that any development around North Quay and the railway station in Great Yarmouth must support plans for rejuvenating the area. Photo: GYBC.

But in a decision made on February 28, planners said the proposal "would result in a building of increased mass and bulk and would appear overly dominant".

Officers said the area is "clearly in need of regeneration" but the proposal failed to meet design expectations. 

Vauxhall House is a stand-alone building located outside the railway station.

It consists of two storeys and contains commercial and office space but is currently vacant.

The last known occupier was a cash-for-clothes business.

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A report by planners says the property is a "poorly designed, utilitarian, unattractive building and awkwardly positioned at one of the key gateways to the town".

The proposed increase in height would "compound the negative impact" of the building on the Grade II listed Vauxhall Bridge and jar with the adjacent low-lying railway station.

Planning officers said they supported the principle of residential development at the site but it was important that any application supports the plans to rejuvenate the area and enhance arrival into the town.

In January, the government gave £20m to Great Yarmouth Borough Council (GYBC) to redevelop North Quay and transform the area around the town's railway station. 

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The Vauxhall Bridge in Great Yarmouth after it was restored. Photo: James Bass.The Vauxhall Bridge in Great Yarmouth after it was restored. Photo: James Bass. (Image: (C) Archant Norfolk 2013)

Vauxhall Bridge, which connects the railway station to North Quay, was built in the mid-19th century. 

Originally designed for trains, and then used by cars until 1976, in recent years it has been restored for pedestrians and cyclists.