Plans to turn Norwich's landmark City Hall into a hotel have been the subject of a bizarre rant inside the building.
Mike Stonard, the leader of Norwich City Council, launched into an extraordinary tirade about the spread of "misinformation" surrounding the project just days after his authority unveiled it.
The proposals would see the Grade II* listed building extended to its rear for office, hotel, or residential use along with a public courtyard.
Mr Stonard criticised a lack of understanding about the "infamous hotel" claiming it had been the subject of "rumours and misinformation". However, it is unclear what he is referring to.
His angry performance, which saw him raise his voice and gesticulate wildly, was branded "rude" by fellow councillors.
City Hall has been the seat of local government in Norwich since its completion in 1938 and the council has stressed that its activities will remain based in the building.
Under the new plans, the site will be extended to the rear, with the new structure given over to office, hotel, or residential use along with a public courtyard.
The space behind City Hall was previously a car park, with police storage facilities underneath, but it was demolished a number of years ago after faults were found with the structure.
It is now used for storing police vehicles and to house the temporary buildings the police are occupying while Bethel Street police station is refurbished.
Officials believe the plan could raise more than £100m for the authority which is facing huge financial pressures.
Despite this, officials at the Labour-run council are seeking to spend £750,000 on drawing up plans and developing a rationale for the scheme.
City Hall has been considered for such a development several times over the years, and the council previously promoted the building at international property events in search of developers.
HOTHEADED OVER HOTEL
Mr Stonard, speaking at a meeting on Thursday, shouted and became increasingly agitated during discussions about the proposals and accused other councillors of posing "suspicious" questions.
"City Hall will remain our base and there will be no work done on any of the listed areas including the entire first floor and meeting rooms. We are looking at a variety of options, including the infamous hotel, as well as housing and office space, for the empty land to the rear of the building.
"No part of City Hall is going to be turned into a hotel or residential accommodation. That will not happen and no part of City Hall is going to be sold.
"I'm not going to speculate as to the source of rumours and misinformation but will leave you to think about that."
CONFUSED COMMUNICATIONS
Mr Stonard's anger at the suggestion City Hall could be turned into a hotel contradicts information on the council's website - which states it is considering "adding an extension to the rear for office, hotel, or residential use".
Other councillors criticised the leader for muttering under his breath and shaking his head while they sought clarity about the future of the building, describing his behaviour as "rude".
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James Wright, leader of the Lib Dem group, added: "We have published a document as a council that says we are considering the use of City Hall for a hotel.
"It is not necessarily surprising that people have then got the idea that this is one of the options the council is considering."
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