Plans to turn a former popular drinking watering hole into holy place for religion that denounces alcohol

A proposal by Norwich Muslim Centre to convert the Grade II-listed Gatehouse pub on Dereham Road into a place of worship and community centre has drawn fierce opposition from local residents and pub campaigners alike.

The plans, submitted to Norwich City Council, would see the historic building transformed into a multi-use facility with space for more than 200 worshippers, along with halls for community events.

Objectors have raised concerns about increased traffic congestion in the area and the potential loss of yet another pub from Norwich's heritage landscape.

However, the scheme has also attracted support from some residents who welcome the proposed new use for the building, which has stood empty since closing in 2023 following the death of its owner.

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One objector expressed alarm at the prospect, writing: "I am horrified to read that the listed Gatehouse pub is to be turned into a Mosque."

They argued that too many pubs had already disappeared and warned that when mosques take over pub buildings, the result is often serious deterioration or demolition of the historic structure.

The respondent insisted there was neither need nor justification for an additional mosque in the city, adding that the council bore a responsibility to safeguard both pubs and listed buildings.

Parking and traffic have also emerged as major flashpoints.

Another resident pointed to existing congestion, writing: "As it is, the cars parked along Dereham Road from Bowthorpe Road to Waterworks Road on a Friday lunchtime is horrendous."

They warned the change of use would push additional vehicles onto surrounding streets, harming the wider neighbourhood.

Not all responses to the application have been negative, however.

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

They praised the mosque's respect for the building's architecture and said permission should be granted provided any alterations honoured its history.

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The centre's mission statement sets out an ambition to establish a community hub offering worship space while also fostering interfaith dialogue and challenging misconceptions about Muslims. It speaks of empowering younger generations with a strong Islamic identity.

Sirajul Islam, a trustee of Norwich Muslim Centre, stressed the project's inclusive ethos. "We are trying to emphasise working with the community," he said.

"The purpose is to bring people together. We want to share it with everyone."

The Norwich and District branch of CAMRA has also formally objected, arguing that the Gatehouse forms part of the city's pub heritage and that too many drinking establishments have already been lost.

The submitted plans outline a rear extension to the existing building. The proposed hall space would accommodate celebrations, festivals, youth services and school visits, alongside worship for more than 200 people.

The application emphasises that the site is not intended to function as an exclusive mosque but rather as a facility open to the broader community. Despite this, CAMRA maintains the building should continue to serve as a pub, reflecting its original purpose and its significance within Norwich's diminishing stock of traditional public houses.

Dating from 1935, the Gatehouse shares architectural similarities with the Artichoke pub on Magdalen Road, and though its architect was never formally identified, the firm Buckingham & Berry — responsible for the Artichoke — is believed to have designed it. Norwich City Council has classified the building as an "asset of community value."

The pub ceased trading in 2023 after its owner passed away, and the Norfolk Muslim Community Association subsequently purchased the property.

A rival bid by the Gatehouse Community Hub group to acquire the building proved unsuccessful. That group had sought to raise funds through a community-led initiative, inviting members of the public to pledge money that would later be converted into shares, with the aim of running a community-owned pub featuring a bar, café and outdoor space.

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