Muslim group planning to turn Grade II-listed pub in leafy Norfolk suburb into mosque hits back at critics and claims it 'only had three regulars'

A Muslim group planning to convert a Grade II-listed pub into an 'Islamic-style' mosque has claimed it 'only had three regulars'.The Norwich Muslim Centre submitted plans to transform the historic 1930s building in Norfolk into a place of worship.The proposals have sparked concern from some locals who argue there is another mosque operating less than half a mile away on the same road.But the Muslim association has now hit back at critics – arguing it has 'come across only three people' who regularly visited the pub.Sirajul Islam, a trustee of the Norwich Muslim Centre, said: 'Since we became involved with this historic building, I have personally knocked on doors throughout the neighbourhood to speak to local residents and understand their views.'So far, I have come across only three people who told me that they used to visit the pub on a regular basis when it was open and operating as a pub.'This did make me wonder where all those objections and concerns are coming from.'We really do appreciate the concerns being raised, and we are fully committed to working with the wider community.' For generations, the 1930s-built red-brick Gatehouse has stood at the western gateway to Norwich, Norfolk Plans have been submitted to turn the Grade II-listed Gatehouse in Norwich into a mosque. CGI of the proposed building is seen here Proposals show a large copper-coloured extension decorated with screens and Arabic lettering which would be built onto the rear of the pubIt comes as leaflets opposing the plan posted around Norwich asked: 'Should this pub be converted into a mosque?'A blank objection letter was also included, addressed to City Hall.The letter did not give the option to support the application, which was submitted last month and it is unknown who the sender is.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 in Norfolk.Neighbours fear a re-development will swamp surrounding residential streets with cars, while campaigners have warned a piece of Britain's traditional pub heritage could be lost.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.The plans to transform the old pub were put to the council in two parts. Richard Dixon (pictured), 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' CGI mock-ups show glass-fronted prayer and function halls overlooking landscaped terraces, gardens and the nearby river One objector said the change would bring more parked vehicles on to neighbouring roads, resulting in a 'detrimental impact on the area'The change of use and extension application, which is the only one referenced on the leaflet, has received more objections than the other bid to extend the pub.So far, objections have reached 234, with 136 commenting in support.But the public comments in support of the application, which are not mentioned on the leaflet, are much higher, with 154 objections and 175 in support.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.'He added: 'The changes to the outside would change the character of the listed building.'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.''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.'Norwich Muslim Centre said the site is intended for use by the wider community and not as an exclusive mosque.As part of the scheme, an extension would be built at the back of the pub.According to the plans, hall space could be used for celebrations and festivals, youth services, and school visits.There would be space for more than 200 worshippers at the site.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.'Mr Islam added: 'We believe our project is a community-focused and sustainable proposal that will give this historic building a positive future while respecting the local area.'We are a peace-loving community, and one of our fundamental obligations is to look after and respect our neighbours.'We want to approach this project in exactly that spirit and work constructively with everyone in the community.'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.