Legend has it Lucifer himself once paid a visit to King's Lynn before being sent packing by a priest.

Whether you believe that or not, the area around an ancient alleyway that bears his name has fallen into a Devil of an overgrown mess.

Now plans to revamp the area around the port town's famous Devil's Alley are on the starting blocks.

Devil's Alley could be transformed under new plans drawn up by West Norfolk councilDevil's Alley could be transformed under new plans drawn up by West Norfolk council (Image: Chris Bishop)

An artist's impression showing how Devil's Alley could be transformedAn artist's impression showing how Devil's Alley could be transformed (Image: Graeme Massie Architects)

West Norfolk Council has applied for planning permission to turn the area, part of which was formerly occupied by grain silos into a new public space.

"The project’s intention is to ensure the revitalisation of Devil’s Alley, bringing the vacant land back into public use, while acting as a catalyst for future development of the riverfront," a design statement says.

The scheme is part of a £5m redevelopment of the Ouse waterfront, which includes revamping the nearby Custom House.

An artist's impression of how Devil's Alley might be transformedAn artist's impression of how Devil's Alley might be transformed (Image: Graeme Massie Architects)

A map showing the proposals for Devil's AlleyA map showing the proposals for Devil's Alley (Image: Graeme Massie Architects)

It includes a pergola, seating, new plantings and open space.

Funding has come from the council's £25m town deal agreed by the last government.

"This development is part of the first phase of the council’s riverfront regeneration project, which aims to encourage investment by upgrading the area and making it more attractive and pleasant to be in, for both local people and visitors," planning papers say.

A view across the river shows the grain silos which stood on the site until they were demolished in 2010A view across the river shows the grain silos which stood on the site until they were demolished in 2010 (Image: Ian Burt)

The proposals are part of a £5m revamp of King's Lynn waterfrontThe proposals are part of a £5m revamp of King's Lynn waterfront (Image: Chris Bishop)

"Previously occupied by large grain silos, a gantry and tall crane that were demolished in 2010 after 37 years of use, the Devil’s Alley site provides an opportunity for a new public amenity space, with places to sit and socialise, in shade, shelter or sunshine close to the town centre and beside the River Great Ouse."

 

WHEN THE DEVIL CAME DOWN TO KING'S LYNN

Looking down Devil's Alley from Nelson StreetLooking down Devil's Alley from Nelson Street (Image: Chris Bishop)

Devil's Alley leads from Nelson Street to the waterfrontDevil's Alley leads from Nelson Street to the waterfront (Image: Chris Bishop)

Legend has it the Devil himself sailed into Lynn to steal some souls, heading up an alley leading from the river to Nelson Street.

But he was spotted by a sharp-eyed priest, who sent him packing with prayers and a liberal dose of holy water.

Devil's Alley leads from Nelson Street to the waterfrontDevil's Alley leads from Nelson Street to the waterfront (Image: Chris Bishop)

Before he quit town, Lucifer stamped his foot with such fury it left a mark on the cobbles resembling a gigantic foot.

Devil's Alley was once completely roofed like a tunnel and at its darkest point there was "a queer cobble in the pavement shaped like a gigantic human foot".

A present day cottage on Devil's AlleyA present day cottage on Devil's Alley (Image: Chris Bishop)

While the alley remains, the footprint has long since disappeared, a victim of modern roadworks which have seen the cobbles resurfaced.

The timing of the Devil's jaunt is unclear. While the alley dates back to the 16th century, it was not named after him until the 1880s.