A dispute has broken out over a proposal to turn a Grade II-listed pub in Norfolk into a mosque described as “Islamic-style.”
The application was submitted by the local Muslim association, despite an existing mosque already operating on the same road, less than half a mile away.
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The Gatehouse, a red-brick pub built in the 1930s, blends Arts and Crafts and Tudor architectural styles.
It has stood at Norwich’s western gateway for generations.
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The pub shut three years ago after its landlord died.
The building was subsequently purchased by the local Muslim association, but its conversion plans have provoked concern among residents and heritage campaigners.
The plans include a large copper-coloured extension at the rear of the pub, featuring decorative screens and Arabic lettering.
Nearby residents are worried the development would overwhelm surrounding residential streets with parked cars.
Heritage campaigners have raised concerns that a piece of Britain’s traditional pub culture could be permanently lost.
Richard Dixon, from the Norwich and District branch of CAMRA, 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.”
He warned that the proposed exterior alterations would fundamentally alter the listed building’s character.
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Mr Dixon also noted that while the interior is said to retain existing features, it would no longer resemble a functioning bar with handpumps and other pub-related fittings, “detracting from the original use of the bar”.
He said: “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.”
Mr Dixon stressed that the Gatehouse had been a popular local venue for socialising, live music, drinking and pub games.
He said: “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 of the proposal argue the mosque would save the landmark building from further decline and create a welcoming community hub.
They say the conversion would “bring people together” and serve as a gathering point for local residents.
The application to transform the former pub into a place of worship and community centre was submitted by Norwich Muslim Centre.
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