A decision over the controversial sale of a council's headquarters will be made next week - but much of the debate is likely to take place behind closed doors.

An extraordinary meeting of South Norfolk Council has been called where members will vote to sell the Conservative-controlled authority's Long Stratton offices.

Last summer, councillors agreed to move out of the Swan Lane headquarters and into the Horizon Centre at Broadland Business Park.

Diss Mercury: South Norfolk Council's Long Stratton officesSouth Norfolk Council's Long Stratton offices (Image: Newsquest)

South Norfolk Council and Broadland District Council paid £7.1m for the former Aviva building, which the two authorities will share.

The Long Stratton offices were put on the market seeking offers of more than £2m. At a council meeting on Thursday (April 13), councillors will be asked to agree which bidder to sell to.

Bid details are not being made public, with the council citing commercial confidentiality. Part of the discussions will happen behind closed doors.

However, it is understood seven bids were lodged - none exceeding £2.1m. One was to turn the offices into a community centre.

After assessments by surveyors, it is believed councillors will be told only three bids - involving housing - should be given serious consideration.

Diss Mercury: Broadland District Council leader Shaun Vincent with South Norfolk Council leader John Fuller in the Horizon CentreBroadland District Council leader Shaun Vincent with South Norfolk Council leader John Fuller in the Horizon Centre (Image: Archant 2022)

John Fuller, leader of South Norfolk Council, who previously expressed his hope the site could be turned into housing, said: "We advertised the site widely for people that might want to take it on for a variety of uses and we had a number of proposals come forward.

"Leading independent external surveyors have assessed those and provided advice on factors such as value for money and deliverability.

Diss Mercury: The Horizon Centre at Broadland Business ParkThe Horizon Centre at Broadland Business Park (Image: Copypright Mike Page, All Rights ReservedBefore any use is made of this picture, including dispaly, publication, broadcast, syn)

"Further legal advice was taken from leading solicitors on what factors can and cannot be taken into account when making the decision.

"A recommendation will be made to move forward with a preferred bidder at the council meeting."

Mr Fuller said the Horizon move, which sparked controversy among members of his own group, saves money and cuts carbon emissions.