'Dungeon' warehouse gets permission for major renovation |
Under plans submitted to Norwich City Council the building at 45 Whiffler Road will get new cladding and refurbished toilets.
Agents on behalf of the applicant, Gareth Watts, said the lack of natural light in the warehouse was having a "negative impact on staff morale", with some describing the workplace as a "dungeon".
They added: "At the time of writing this document and submitting the planning application, the winter months bring shorter days and the serious prospect of staff arriving in darkness, working all day in artificial light and leaving in darkness.
"The impact on mental health and wellbeing is already apparent, and unless addressed urgently, the business has the risk of increased staff turnover and the loss of key team members."
Planners for Norwich City Council, who approved the application, said: "The new materials proposed would create a more contemporary appearance appropriate for modern office accommodation, however the building would continue to present as a former warehouse or industrial unit."