Row erupts over plans to turn Grade II-listed pub in leafy Norfolk suburb into a mosque –

A row has erupted over plans to convert a Grade II-listed Norfolk pub into an ‘Islamic-style’ mosque.

The local Muslim association submitted the application despite another mosque already operating less than half a mile away on the same road.

Proposals show a large copper-coloured extension decorated with screens and Arabic lettering which would be built on to the rear of the pub.

The pub, a mixture of Arts and Crafts and Tudor styles, closed three years ago following the death of its landlord.

For generations, the 1930s-built red-brick Gatehouse has stood at the western gateway to Norwich, Norfolk.

It was bought by the local Muslim association but plans to transform it have sparked concern among some residents and campaigners.

Neighbours fear the development will swamp surrounding residential streets with cars, while campaigners warn a piece of Britain’s traditional pub heritage could be lost.

Richard Dixon, a member of the Norwich and District branch of CAMRA (Campaign For Real Ale), said: ‘Norwich has lost many pubs over the years, to either be knocked down or redeveloped.

‘There are now large areas of the city that have few or even no pubs.

‘The changes to the outside would change the character of the listed building.’

Mr Dixon went on to say the interior, though said to retain existing features, would not be in the style of a bar with handpumps and other pub-related features, ‘detracting from the original use of the bar’.

He added: ‘No reasonable efforts were made to show the pub cannot be viable.

‘Whilst the changes would nominally make it a community facility, this will not be as a pub.

‘The Gatehouse was well liked and used by the community for socialising, drinking, music and pub games.

‘It should be retained for use as a public house.’

Supporters say the mosque would rescue the landmark building and create a welcoming community hub that would ‘bring people together’.

Norwich Muslim Centre applied to transform the former pub into a place of worship and community centre.

The city council’s planning portal currently has nine objections and one public comment in support of the scheme.

One objector wrote: ‘I am horrified to read that the listed Gatehouse pub is to be turned into a Mosque.

‘We have lost far too many of our pubs and in many cases when a mosque takes on a pub the end result is serious disrepair of the historic building or demolition.

‘This must not be allowed to happen.

‘There is no need or justification for another mosque in Norwich.’

Another objector said the change would bring more parked vehicles onto neighbouring roads, resulting in a ‘detrimental impact on the area’.

Supporters argue the plans would breathe new life into the landmark, which has stood empty since 2023.

One person wrote: ‘I welcome the use to which this building will be put and have already been part of a community event. It was delightful.

‘The respect the mosque expressed for the architecture is great and as long as changes respect the history I think permission should be given.’

The proposals would see a sweeping modern extension constructed behind the historic red-brick building.

CGI mock-ups show glass-fronted prayer and function halls overlooking landscaped terraces, gardens and the nearby river.

A statement submitted with the application says: ‘Our dream is to create a community hub that not only provides a space for worship but also empowers the next generation with strong Islamic identity, promotes interfaith engagement and tackles misconceptions about Muslims.’

Sirajul Islam, a trustee of the Norwich Muslim Community Association, said a detailed traffic management plan had been drawn up with a transport consultant.

He said nearby parking had been identified and an agreement secured with a local business for another 10 to 12 spaces.

Mr Islam added: ‘There is another mosque located nearby, and the two facilities will work together positively by accommodating worshippers across both sites.’

He said the listed building’s historic character would be protected and the only significant physical alteration would be a rear multi-purpose hall.

Before it closed, regulars could drink in the Gatehouse’s oak-panelled bars beside a log fire.

In summer, drinkers could retreat to its garden, which slopes down towards the banks of the River Wensum.

The Gatehouse closed in 2023 following the death of its long-serving landlord.

A community campaign had tried unsuccessfully to buy the building and turn it into Norwich’s first community-owned pub.

The Gatehouse was built for Norwich brewers Morgans in 1934, replacing a 19th-century pub which had previously stood on the same site, with the building granted Grade II-listed status in 2015.

The application awaits a decision from Norwich City Council.