Emmaus Norfolk & Waveney, based at the All Saints Convent in Ditchigham near Bungay, supports up to 50 people who have previously been homeless by providing a stable home, tailored support, and work opportunities.

The site, which featured on BBC One's Interior Design Masters, will see three buildings converted from religious retreats into houses of multiple occupation.

Lavinia House, St Fursey House, and St Edmunds House will be fitted with upgraded fire doors, new windows, and radiators as part of the renovation.

The All Hallows Convent in Ditchingham, near Bungay (Image: Emmaus Norfolk & Waveney)

The new accommodation will be for "companions" who act as volunteers to assist the running of the site and are people who are directly impacted by homelessness, social isolation, poverty, and domestic abuse.

Companions are able to gain new skills by working in the organisation's charity shop, café, and property clearance business.

Neil Watts, the applicant on behalf of the charity, said there is "an increasing need for accommodation" as the organisation continues to grow.

The site is owned by the Anglican Religious Order of the Community of All Hallows (CAH) and Emmaus leases the building,s which include Abbe Pierre House, the charity's second-hand retail outlet, Holy Cross House, a residential area, and The Old Orchard Café, which serves light refreshments.

The Convent Building c1900 (Image: Emmaus Norfolk and Waveney)

Mr Watts added that Emmaus is working with the CAH to agree the leases for the three homes.

The All Hallows Convent has a rich history and was used by the sisters of All Hallows from 1859 until 2018.

The convent had formerly been used as a House of Mercy in the 1800s to support women and in later years was used as a refuge, hospital, and school.

Emmaus moved into the convent buildings in 2011 with just four companions.

© Eastern Daily Press