Concern over plans for coffee chain and fish and chip shop in Norwich’s Golden Triangle

The opening of a new branch of a coffee chain and a fish and chip shop, plus the closure of a bakery, in Norwich's Golden Triangle has led to concerns the area is becoming commercialised.

Work in the last few weeks has converted what was the Le Chateau off-licence, on Unthank Road, into coffee chain Caffè Nero.

And the former Burrell's ironmongers a few doors down looks set to be turned into a fish and chip shop, with signs now up advertising the new takeaway.

Further down the road the bakery on the corner of Onley Street has also closed its doors.

But residents have taken to social media to air their concerns over the changes, and the rise of fast-food outlets and big-name shops.

On the website Streetlife, where residents can connect with those near to them, a user called Jeremy G said: 'Gradually Norwich City Council is allowing the once attractive Golden Triangle to become less of a desirable residential area, more a student ghetto/slum.'

Jill R added: 'Well not so much a slum as just another colourless, characterless any-town street with no independent businesses. Those of us who care can vote with our purses and our feet!'

However, others pointed out that it was supply and demand, and that residents should be glad the shops are not staying empty.

John Litster, from civic watchdog the Norwich Society, said he had heard from people worried about the street, but that in the case of Burrell's it was a done deal.

'There's been a lot of misinformation,' said Mr Litster, referring to the belief that the council was not going to allow any more fast-food outlets in the area.

He said the documentation stated 'exactly the opposite, with only 18pc taken up by that'.

He said with Burrell's, the main concern was over the demolition of the building, but that the council was going to force the developers to remain sympathetic to the area with their plans.