It is now full steam ahead for plans to convert the vacant Felmingham Station building on the Weavers Way path after they were given the green light by North Norfolk District Council.

Under the proposal, submitted by the owner of the site, Darren Hall, the building containing the former ticket office and booking hall will be transformed into a one-bedroom home.

The council's planning officer said the bid proposed a "sensitive conversion of this non-designated heritage asset, helping to secure its sustainable long term future".

The south elevation of the building. (Image: David Howorth)

Mr Hall, who purchased the property at auction from Norfolk County Council, submitted the plans to convert the building in 2022.

In a statement it said that only a limited number of the original station buildings remain in existence on the North Walsham to Aylsham line with buildings such as Aylsham North and South demolished after closure.

Therefore it argued that the bid would "secure the future of the building" and would allow the "important heritage asset to be preserved".

Also, it added that its use as a private residence will protect it from anti-social behaviour and vandalism which was "always a risk in this remote location".

How the inside of the former train station building is set to be laid out. (Image: David Howorth)

Felmingham Station was closed in 1959 and is now part of the Weavers' Way path (Image: Newsquest)

Felmingham Station, which is between North Walsham and Aylsham, opened in 1883 and was on the Midland and Great Northern Joint Railway.

During its operational years, the station facilitated both local passenger and goods traffic, including agricultural produce.

But in 1959, the line closed and since then the building has lain vacant apart from opening for the occasional heritage visit.

The disused railway line now forms part of the 61 mile-long Weavers Way footpath and cycle way linking Cromer to Great Yarmouth.

© Eastern Daily Press