The owners of the Scole Inn Hotel delivered an impassioned plea to South Norfolk Council this week to approve proposals for a new marquee at the venue.

They said the restoration of the historic hotel, along with rising wages and bills, meant the business needed another source of income to survive.

Despite concerns about the impact of noise on neighbours, councillors gave the plans the green light after hearing the hotel would likely have to close unless it was able to grow.

The Scole Inn dates back hundreds of years (Image: Newsquest) The Grade I-listed Scole Inn Hotel, near Diss, dates back to 1655 and is said to have hosted King Charles II and Lord Nelson as well as highwayman John Belcher,

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