Plans to convert a run-down car dealership into new homes and businesses have been approved – despite it being deemed a “disappointing development”.

The former Favorit Motor Company building on London Road in Lynn is set to be turned into five new dwellings, a café and a takeaway.

Jawed Azam, the secretary at Azam Bros Limited, which runs Azams of Hunstanton, lodged the application with West Norfolk Council back in November, saying it will enhance community services – and the scheme was approved this week.

However, in what it called an “eleventh hour” response to the plans, the Lynn Civic Society labelled it a “disappointing development”.

Chairperson Alison Gifford said: “What we clearly don’t need in the town is more retail floor space and more cafés and takeaways, where various planning reviews and reports have already established that we have a significant oversupply of both within the town and, increasingly, on out-of-town sites.”

The organisation, which works to protect Lynn’s heritage, raised concerns that the building is not of high quality and, therefore, trying to convert and extend it is “unlikely to result in a pleasing outcome”.

“The five small flats have little or no internal storage, seemingly no outdoor storage and no outdoor garden space whatsoever. It is very basic accommodation by any standards,” Ms Gifford added.

It was suggested that there should be street enhancements made, including spaces for trees on London Road as well as cycle parking, outdoor seating and a pavement upgrade to benefit the area – some of which planning officers seem to have taken into consideration with their decision.

The approved plans come with a list of conditions, including submitting a scheme for parking bikes, off-site highway improvements and car waiting restrictions.

There is also an order prohibiting vehicle access out of or onto the site using London Road.

It is said the front of the building will be enhanced – but remain the same size – and extensions will only be carried out to the rear courtyard and over the former dealership.

A planning statement read: “Whilst the finished development will offer numerous opportunities of employment to the community, it should also be appreciated that the construction works themselves will provide much-needed employment for local builders and the associated supply networks that serve them.

“The proposal offers a sustainable development that creates a multifunctional space, enhancing community services and providing economic living options in the area.

“These accessible facilities will create a vibrant community hub, providing job opportunities and essential services to the local community.”