David BaleA former city pub that has been shut for nearly a year could be converted into a house, after plans were lodged with Norwich City Council.David Bale

A former city pub that has been shut for nearly a year could be converted into a house, after plans were lodged with Norwich City Council.

The Bakers Arms, in St Leonards Road, Thorpe Hamlet, which dates back to 1867, became another victim of the recession when it closed in April last year and was sold by then owners Enterprise Inns as a freehold.

The application to convert it into a three-bedroom house also includes the demolition of outbuildings and the construction of four new two-bedroom houses and associated car parking spaces on the site.

The plans were submitted by Fine City Developments, care of agents C&M Architects, of St Georges Street, Norwich.

The Victorian building is in a heavily built-up part of Norwich and is close to two other watering holes - The Quebec and the William IV, both in Quebec Road.

Thorpe Hamlet city councillor and former Norwich Lord Mayor Jeremy Hooke said it was a 'tragedy' that the city was losing another pub.

He said: 'Norwich was always famous for having a pub for every day of the year, but no longer. I think it's a tragedy to lose a pub because they are part of the community.

'I'm sure that if it's converted into a house and people move into it, they will make it a nice place to live, but meanwhile we lose another pub.

'Anyway, at the moment the pub is closed so it's just another empty building. It would be nice to put a bit of life back into it.'

The Evening News has been highlighting the need for punters to support their local pubs during our Love Your Local campaign, which started 13 months ago.

Most pubs are struggling to beat the recession, the effects of the smoking ban and the availability of cheaper alcohol at supermarkets.

Fine City Developments was unavailable for comment.

To see previous stories from our campaign log on to www.eveningnews24.co.uk/loveyourlocal.

Have you got a story concerning your local pub for our Love Your Local campaign? Call David Bale on 01603 772427 or email david.bale2@archant.co.uk.