A plan to build homes on a car park has sparked strong opposition from regulars at the Fat Cat pub.

Norwich City Council is consulting on building on 19 car parks and garages in the city to create about 80 homes.

Opposite the pub on West End Street, 16 parking spaces could make way for two homes.

But landlord Colin Keatley said a petition against the building had collected 70 signatures.

He said: 'A lot of the residents drink in the Fat Cat and they were not happy.

'I run a very successful business here and I wouldn't particularly want homes there so we put a petition up.'

Mr Keatley said parking was already a problem in the street and deliveries to his pub and bicycle shop Streetlife meant lorries needed to park outside.

Yesterday evening he handed the petition to Green Party councillor for Wensum ward, Lucy Galvin, pictured.

Mrs Galvin said: 'This area has long-running problems with parking, the junction nearby is busy thanks to thriving local businesses, and many residents feel that although this car park is small, it's critical for the neighbourhood.'

At a Norwich City Council meeting last night she questioned why consultation dates had been changed and why some people living in the area had not been told about the potential developments.

Councillor Victoria MacDonald, cabinet member for housing, admitted the consultation had been flawed.

She said: 'Lessons have been learnt and as a result there will be some changes to how any similar engagement is carried out in future.'

Photo: Denise Bradley