Plans lodged for conversion of former Norwich pub

City planners who have vowed to protect more than 100 of Norwich's historic buildings could soon have a test case, after an application was lodged to convert the former Constitution Tavern in Constitution Hill into housing.

As reported, civic watchdog The Norwich Society this week presented Norwich City Council with a list of local buildings and sites which need protecting.

Although the heritage list will not have a legal standing, the city council said it would be used when deciding planning applications and potential uses for the sites other than demolition or redevelopment could be looked at.

Constitution Motors, which owns the former Constitution Tavern, above, which is on the list, has applied to Norwich City Council for planning permission for a conversion and extension at the former pub to provide an extra flat and house.

The former pub dated back to 1864 but closed in 2010 because the owners said it was no longer viable.

Ian Coates, managing director at Constitution Motors, said the pub shut because it could not compete with cheap supermarket drinks. He said: 'The building is of architectural interest and I have no plans to knock it down. If the plans are approved, then we would keep the structure of the building the same.'

As reported, in 2010 a petition was set up to save the pub.

Previously, in 1992, Constitution Motors wanted to close the pub and turn it into a car spares shop but it was refused planning permission after local objection.

Do you know if plans have been or are about to be lodged for any other building on the list? Call reporter David Bale on 01603 772427 or email david.bale2@archant.co.uk