Norwich Muslim group dismisses pub-to-mosque objections by claiming the Gatehouse 'only had three regulars'

The Norwich Muslim Centre has hit back at growing local opposition to its plans to convert the Grade II-listed Gatehouse pub on Dereham Road into a mosque, insisting trustee Sirajul Islam knocked on doors across the neighbourhood and found just three people who said they used it regularly. The 1930s red-brick pub closed three years ago after its landlord died and was bought by the Norfolk Muslim Community Association after a community group failed to buy it. Plans include a large copper-coloured rear extension decorated with Arabic lettering and screens on the historic Arts and Crafts building.

Critics note that a second mosque is already operating on Dereham Road, fewer than half a mile from the site.

Anonymous leaflets distributed around Norwich asked 'Should this pub be converted into a mosque?' and included a blank objection letter addressed to City Hall.

The council officially classifies the Gatehouse as an 'asset of community value', raising questions about whether the conversion can proceed.