PLANS to turn a Grade II-listed boozer into a mosque are set to be blocked over fears it could cause “substantial harm” despite being closed for years.
The Norwich Muslim Centre submitted an application to transform the 1930s-built Gatehouse pub in Norwich, Norfolk, into a place of worship for 200 attendees.
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The Norwich and District branch of Campaign For Real Ale (CAMRA) is among those opposing the plans – arguing the area has already lost many of its pubs for redevelopment.
Leaflets posted through letter boxes opposing the application, asked: “Should this pub be converted into a mosque?” And the proposals have now sparked more than 500 objections.
The pub, a mix of Arts and Crafts and Tudor styles, has been closed for three years following the death of the landlord.
NMC trustee Sirajul Islam said he understands only three people regularly used the venue when it was open, having visited homes throughout the community to discuss the plans.
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“This did make me wonder where all those objections and concerns are coming from,” he said.
“We really do appreciate the concerns being raised, and we are fully committed to working with the wider community.”
The leaflets were posted by an unknown person with a blank objection letter addressed to City Hall.
It did not, however, give the option to support the application.
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Now, Norwich City Council’s Conservation and Design team have submitted a report criticising the proposals – and urged the planning committee to refuse it.
The report states the team sees no “convincing evidence or justification” for the building’s use to be changed.
Proposals show a large copper-coloured extension decorated with Islamic-style screens and Arabic lettering which would be built onto the rear of the pub.
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 forever.
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A pub has been on the site since at least 1866, with the original destroyed by a fire at some point in the early 20th century.
The current building, which opened in 1934, survived two attacks during WW2 – with the report describing it as a “superb example” of medieval Kent and East Anglian architecture.
In particular, concerns were raised about the construction of a rear extension for prayer halls, which would be “far greater in size” than the current building and so “entirely disproportionate” causing “substantial harm”.
It concluded it could be reused in its “current form, or with modest and sympathetic refurbishment”.
Richard Dixon, a member of the Norwich and District branch of Campaign For Real Ale (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. The changes to the outside would change the character of the listed building.”
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.”
NMC has filed two connected planning applications for the site, with one receiving 347 objections and 201 supporting letters – while the other received 194 objections and 213 supporting.
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A mission statement submitted with the plans 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.”
The application awaits a decision from Norwich City Council.