The application, submitted by the steward of the house Josiah English, is to help improve the accommodation by converting the attic into a two-bedroom flat for Mr English and his wife. But, originally, the flat proved too small for the couple so they also incorporated one of the guest rooms for extra space. The property was originally a convent before it became a guest house and visitor centre as part of the Julian Shrine, which pays tribute to the medieval anchoress, Julian of Norwich. The church where Julian lived – St Julian's in Rouen Road, Norwich – is believed to attract pilgrims from all over the world. Following her recovery, she dedicated her life to solitude and locked herself away in a cell attached to St Julian's Church.