‘Muslims Only 4% Of Communities’: Residents Fume Over Proposal To Convert Listed Pub In UK Into Mosque

Last Updated:August 12, 2026, 09:16 IST

The NMC bought the pub with a 10 per cent deposit and is now raising a further £800,000 (USD 10,80,580) to fund the process, if approved

The NMC bought the pub with a 10 per cent deposit and is now raising a further £800,000 (USD 10,80,580) to fund the process | Image credit: X/@Proudofthisland

The Norwich Muslim Centre (NMC) has proposed plans with City Hall to convert a Grade-2 listed pub in Norwich into a mosque, sparking outrage among residents.

The NMC conveyed the idea to City Hall, proposing to turn the Gatehouse on Dereham Road into a place of worship featuring two separate prayer halls for men and women. According to the Islamic body, the proposed design intends to offer a madrassa, Hifz madrassa, and Islamic classes, according to the Times of India.

The NMC bought the pub with a 10 per cent deposit and is now raising a further £800,000 (USD 10,80,580) to fund the process. Originally built in 1934, the pub shut down in 2023 after the death of its owner.

NMC trustee Sirajul Islam said: “We have got four or five masjids (mosque) in Norwich but they are all struggling for space. Our dream is to create a centre that not only provides a space for worship but also empowers the next generation with a strong Islamic identity”, the Times of India reported.

However, residents of the neighbourhood have raised objections, arguing that there are enough mosques in the city. They have also cited concerns over the declining number of pubs in Norwich.

‘Pub Was Well-Liked’

Comments from residents –– posted on the council planning portal –– reflect their concern over the proposal. While some highlighted that the pub was used by many for socialising, some argued that the construction of a mosque would be unjust to other communities.

“There is to be complete segregation of the two genders when utilising the proposed building. Is such segregation within the laws of the UK,” a resident wrote.

Another resident underlined that Muslims make up merely 4 per cent of Norwich’s population, adding the rest of the communities would be unlikely to benefit from the development.

“Muslims make up only 4% of the community in Norwich, which means 96% of the population will be unlikely to benefit from the facility but will bear the brunt of the increase in traffic, footfall and everything else,”  the person wrote.

“The pub was well liked and used by the community for socialising, drinking, music and pub games and it should be retained as such for use as a pub,” a third wrote.

However, a supporter backed the proposal and argued that a mosque would lead to a calmer environment in and around the neighbourhood. “A mosque tends to bring calm rather than trouble, unlike the occasional disorder linked to pubs on weekend nights.”

Meanwhile, the City Council is yet to make a decision on the matter.

For the unversed, Norwich is renowned for being one of England’s most complete medieval cities, noted for its stunning Norman cathedral, historic castle. It is listed as the UK’s first UNESCO City of Literature.

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