A church that dates back to the 11th century is set to become an auction house.

Norwich City Council approved plans for St Mary Coslany Church in Oak Street to "hold regular auctions of art, antiques, collectables, jewellery and other similar items".

The application was put forward by Mander Auctioneers and Valuers of Norwich back in July, with the company looking to start running one auction a month with between 300 and 500 items up for grabs. 

The church is in Oak Street, near the Junkyard MarketThe church is in Oak Street, near the Junkyard Market (Image: Newsquest) Applicant Dylan Mander said: "I would like the flexibility to hold more auctions as occasionally a large or interesting collection comes to market that warrants its own auction.

"Over time I may offer additional specialist auctions, such as an auction of coins and banknotes."

The church will then be open for valuation, consignment and collections on an appointment basis during weekly office hours and on Saturdays.

The church has been used as a bookshopThe church has been used as a bookshop (Image: Norwich Historic Churches Trust) According to the plans, St Mary Coslany is in an "excellent" location, both within walking distance of the city centre and outside of the pedestrianised zones with ample parking nearby.

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The only changes proposed to the church will be the installation of a freestanding desk and jewellery cabinets, filing cabinets, easels and some folding tables. There will be no permanent fixtures or fittings otherwise.

The plans for the churchThe plans for the church (Image: Norwich City Council) Norwich City Council has approved the plans, but they have faced some backlash from city folk.

One local said: "The church is an invaluable piece of Norwich's medieval history, and it must be safeguarded."

Another commented: "I am writing because I am worried the historic venue will be damaged by the constant flow of antiques through the doors."

The church was declared redundant in 1971 and was later taken over by a craft and design centre and more recently a publishing services company and internet bookseller.