Outrage over plans to turn Grade II listed pub into mosque with huge extension

A row has erupted over plans to transform a once-popular Grade II-listed pub into a mosque for more than 200 worshippers. For generations, the 1930s-built red-brick Gatehouse has stood at the western gateway to Norwich, Norfolk.

The pub, a mixture of Arts and Crafts and Tudor styles, closed three years ago following the death of its landlord. It was bought by a local Muslim association, but plans to convert it into a mosque have sparked concern among residents and pub campaigners. Another mosque already stands less than half a mile away on the same road. Proposals show a large copper-coloured extension, decorated with Islamic-style screens and Arabic lettering, to be built at 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.

Richard Dixon, a member of 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.”

“The changes to the outside would change the character of the listed building,” he added.

“The interior, although it is said retaining existing features, would not be the style of a bar with handpumps and other pub related features – this would detract from the original use of the bar.”

Mr Dixon 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.”

However, supporters insist 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. Norwich 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: “This change of use will push more parked vehicles onto the neighbouring roads which will no doubt have a detrimental impact of the area.”

But supporters say 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.

“There is another mosque located nearby, and the two facilities will work together positively by accommodating worshippers across both sites,” Mr Islam said, adding that 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. The building was granted Grade II-listed status in 2015.

The application awaits a decision from Norwich City Council.