A popular Norfolk pub has closed and plans have been lodged to convert it into eight homes.

The Cottage in Louden Road, Cromer shut its doors on Sunday, June 23.

Plans have been lodged with North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) for a change of use at the site and its conversion from a bar and former Conservative club into eight residential units.

The pub was popular with fishermen and hosted many activities, with several groups and organisations meeting there.

Graham Jones, who lives in Antingham, was a regular at its monthly folk nights.

He said: "This is an iconic Cromer pub which appears to have suffered from a lack of investment from the owner. I understand that the owners are looking to provide yet more flats.

"I hope that NNDC under the Liberal Democrats does not agree to that.

"Maybe it should be taken over by compulsory purchase and used for the benefit of Cromer residents who have too few community facilities - but flats - certainly not."

Another resident, who did not wish to be named, said: "It was well used by locals including fishermen and has extensive function room facilities. These will be missed by local organisations."

The building has an interesting history as it used to be the town's cottage hospital.

A medical facility was formed there from two cottages in 1866.

The hospital was later rebuilt in Louden Road in 1888 but then moved to a purpose-built facility opened by Lady Suffield at Old Mill Road in 1932.

Neither the manager at the pub, who did not wish to be named, or its owner Dave Harvey, wished to comment.

But people have taken to social media to express their sadness at the closure.

One man said that, "Us boys met there every other Friday teatime - going to miss the good people behind the bar".

Another added: "The Cromer Christmas lights group went to their meetings there. They will miss going."

And another regular said that she would miss "its friendly atmosphere and our darts matches".

Will you miss the pub? How will its closure affect your organisation? Email david.bale2@archant.co.uk