A disused city centre pub which developers have eyed for a boutique hotel has been sold at auction. 

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

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

Norwich Evening News: The business closed in 2018The business closed in 2018 (Image: David Freezer)

Thurston Estates has since reapplied for planning approval for the project at the 250-year-old pub that closed in 2018 despite a refurbishment.

The building was sold for £265,000 to an unknown buyer at auction on Wednesday after going under the hammer with Auction House East Anglia.

Thurston Estate's initial proposal would have seen the three-storey building extended to overlook the service yard at Castle Quarter.

Two rooms would be formed over the ground floor, four rooms over the first floor and a suite over the third floor.

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In February 2020, the Norwich branch of the Campaign for Real Ales organisation objected to the change of use to a hotel, saying it should be kept as a pub. 

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.