The Norwich Muslim Centre has defended its plans to convert the Grade II-listed Gatehouse pub in Norfolk into a mosque, after facing local objections. A trustee said door-to-door enquiries in the neighbourhood had turned up only three people who used to be regular drinkers at the pub, questioning the basis for community opposition, while stressing the group remained committed to working with residents.

The Gatehouse, a red-brick building combining Arts and Crafts and Tudor styles, has stood at the western edge of Norwich since the 1930s but closed three years ago following its landlord's death. Plans, submitted last month, include a copper-coloured extension with Islamic-style screens and Arabic lettering, plus glass-fronted prayer and function halls. Objectors, including CAMRA's Norwich branch, cite concerns over traffic, loss of pub heritage and the impact on the listed building's character, while an anonymous leaflet campaign against the scheme has circulated locally; the disputed application has drawn 234 objections versus 136 in support, though wider public comments show 175 in favour against 154 against.