People living near a historic church are celebrating after controversial plans to convert it into a live music venue were withdrawn.
Development firm Friars 923 hoped to convert the United Reformed Church (URC) at the Princes Street junction with Elm Hill to "create a positive and active environment to enjoy".
However, the plans went on to amass a whopping 84 public objections, prompting the developer to scrap the project before it could be discussed by the city council's planning committee.
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"This is a win for common sense," said Richard Eagleton, chairman of the Friends of Elm Hill group.
"It shows the strength of feeling in the local area and the community deserves huge credit.
"We're not against bringing this site back into use, but it needs to be suitable and sustainable.
"We're thrilled that such a historic building, in what is a phenomenal location, won't be turned into a nightclub."
Sited opposite St Peter Hungate Church, the building dates back to 1869 and underwent a major refurbishment in 2014. The URC closed in August 2020.
The proposals from Friars 923 would have seen the grade I listed site converted from "the existing vacant building to an arts and dance facility, with capacity to host live music events and the option to serve food and drink".
Opening times on the application suggested the venue would have been open Monday to Friday from 10am to 11pm, Saturday from 10am to midnight and Sunday/bank holidays, from midday to 10pm.
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"I've been here for 30 years and I remember when the clubs were all in Tombland," said Patricia Durbin, who lives in Princes Street and runs the Futon Company in St Giles Street.
"I had the police on speed dial back then.
"Now we've got other venues nearby and we have become used to seeing vomit.
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"If these plans were approved it would have been mayhem.
"So I'm very happy they have been withdrawn."
Friars 923 was contacted for comment.
A history of the site
The building, which replaced a smaller chapel from 1818 was constructed as the Princes Street Congregational church by Norwich architect Edward Boardman in 1869.
A survey in 1984 noted that within the 19th-century church are the remains of a 16th-century timber-framed building.
The site was occupied by the United Reformed Church for more than 150 years.
A major refurbishment project began in 2014 to develop the main Sanctuary and attached buildings to create a "flexible, modernised space for worship and church and community use, together with a number of meeting rooms".
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A survey in June 2019 found major safety works were needed at the site - including the replacement of the entire roof.
Soaring repair bills forced the URC to eventually announce its closure in 2020.
The church still has other premises in Unthank Road, Ipswich Road, Jessop Road and Bowthorpe in Norwich, as well as sites in Wymondham and Wroxham.
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