Number 12 pub in Farmers Avenue in Norwich may become hotel

Thurston Estates received planning permission in March 2020 to convert Number 12 in Farmers Avenue into a seven-bedroom hotel. 

However, work was delayed due to the Covid-19 lockdowns and the three-year time limit to start the project subsequently expired.

Thurston Estates, which purchased the site from Enterprise Inns in 2019, has now decided to re-apply for planning approval. 

The 250-year-old pub, formerly known as Le Rouen, closed in 2018 despite a refurbishment.

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If approved, the plans would see the three-storey building extended to overlook the service yard at Castle Quarter.

The former pub could become a seven-bedroom hotel (Image: David Freezer)

The plans are designed to form two rooms over the ground floor, four rooms over the first floor and a suite over the third floor.

In February 2020, the Norwich and District branch of Camra (the Campaign for Real Ale) objected to the change of use to a hotel - instead wanting it retained as a pub for the community.

It appealed to Norwich City Council, stating: "Camra would rather see that attempts are made to reopen the pub rather than a conversion to a hotel.

"The pub can provide so much more than just a traditional drinking establishment, pubs are a hub for the community where people can meet and socialise with others."

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The building was known as the Plough and Horses up until 1830. Near to the castle, it is said to have been a prime spot for people to watch public hangings.

It was renamed the Plough up to 1973, closed in 1995 and was then offered for sale in 1997 and reopened in 2000.

The pub is said to have various fine architectural features including a cast iron stove, an original fireplace and a wooden Arts and Crafts style servery.