Former Emneth butchers shop could become tanning studio if plans are approved

A redundant butcher’s shop could have a new lease of life as a tanning studio if plans are approved.

Mr Burlingham, of Hungate Road, Emneth, has applied to West Norfolk Council for permission to change the use of 18 Gaultree Square, Emneth.

The premises were formerly Curtis Butchers, which closed its doors five years ago.

A planning statement submitted in support of the application explains that there have been three previous planning applications for a change of use of the premises, the first was for a bistro/bar, the second was for a take-away and restaurant, and the third was for a tanning studio, all three were withdrawn.

The statement explains that the application seeks to change the use of the ground floor of the building into a “small” tanning studio.

It says: “This will be achieved, largely, by using the existing room structure together with some small internal changes. There will also be a small internal extension to form the additional WC space.

“There will be three separate rooms housing a tanning bed each. There will also be space for changing within each room. The beds themselves will be positioned and installed upon a layer of neoprene matting to reduce vibrations throughout the building as well as any neighbouring dwellings.”

The suspended ceiling will be upgraded to an acoustic one to mitigate noise from ventilation fans, to stop it from impacting on the first floor flat.

The studio rooms will be served by a main reception, accessed from Gaultree Square.

The statement adds: “The only external change will be the removal of existing canopy and installation of door serving store room and some advertising will be incorporated within the frontage windows.”