Lounge cafe and bar set for Norwich splits local people

National chain Loungers Cafe Bars is proposing to launch a location in the ground floor of the St Anne’s Quarter development, just across the bridge from Riverside.

But people living in the flats above the proposed bar and in nearby houses are worried about the late-night noise they say it will cause.

Retiree Mrs Patient, who lives in a home next to St Anne's Quarter, said: "It isn't the fact that it is a bar and restaurant, it is the outside area.

The cafe and bar will be going into a huge unit in St Anne's Quarter (Image: Denise Bradley) Retiree Mrs Patient, who lives in a home next to St Anne's Quarter, said: "It isn't the fact that it is a bar and restaurant, it is the outside area.

"Nothing would be allowed to happen outside after 9pm - it just feels unfair to the people living directly above it, many of who have young families.

"Lots of people are going to be affected by it."

Lizzy Smythe lives in St Anne's Quarter with her three-year-old child.

She said: "I'm concerned. My daughter plays on the deck there all the time. 

"This will have a massive impact on the families whose kids ride their bikes and scooters in that area, with no local park."

Nikki Morris lives near the upcoming bar (Image: Newsquest) However, some people welcome the plans - so long as it isn't noisy late at night.

Nikki Morris, a retiree in her 60s who lives in nearby King Street, said: "People around here are concerned about how late it is going to open because of all the foot traffic and drunk people going past their homes.

"I'm not so worried, but I know my neighbours are.

"It's a lovely and vibrant area and it's another facility for people to use in the local area."

Louis Rosa, 35, is worried about hearing lots of noise late at night (Image: Newsquest) Louis Rosa, a 35-year-old former university lecturer, agreed: "This will be a good thing as long as there isn't a lot of noise late at night. 

"We do hear noise from the Queen of Iceni pub, especially on a Saturday night, but it is rare."

READ MORE: City folks rage as 'eyesore' site left abandoned for a DECADE

Earlier this year, the company agreed to reduce its proposed opening hours until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays after concerns were raised at a Norwich City Council meeting.

The cafe and bar will be in the heart of a residential area (Image: Newsquest) Gemma Irwin, head of community for the Lounges, said: "Lounges are family-friendly spaces where people can come together to enjoy great food and drink in a relaxed, welcoming environment.

"Our community is at the heart of everything we do, from fundraising for local charities to hosting events that bring people together.

"We’re committed to giving back, supporting those less fortunate, and providing an inclusive space where everyone feels at home."

THE ST ANNE'S QUARTER DEVELOPMENT

St Anne's Quarter has seen its fair share of controversy recently. 

Developers Orbit came under fire in September as those living locally raised concern as a large portion of the site passes 10 years of being boarded up.

According to them, the tatty blue cladding is a magnet for graffiti and an "eyesore" for those living next to it. 

Of the 437 homes planned, 247 have been completed, with a spokesman for Orbit Housing saying that the Covid-19 pandemic, increased construction costs and challenging market conditions were to blame for the delays.