The ball is in the court of an applicant who wants to turn a village pub into seven homes.

Laura Lee had asked North Norfolk District Council for planning advice over the conversion of the Blue Boar Inn, in Great Ryburgh, into five flats and two semi-detached homes.

The council has now advised the applicant, saying it is now up to her if she wants to submit a formal planning application.

A statement from North Norfolk District Council said: "The next steps are up to the applicant to decide whether they wish to make a planning application or not."

Earlier this year, the pub closed its doors due to "current climate conditions," making the business "no longer viable".

"It is with deep regret The Blue Boar Inn will be closing its doors for the last time on Friday, February 24," it said in a Facebook post. 

The owners had purchased the 17th-century coaching inn in 2008 to create a "unique blend of modern dining, first-class home cooking and traditional Norfolk hospitality". 

The pub had been running as a boutique bed and breakfast ever since.