Seventeenth century pub the Lakenham Cock could be turned into housing despite being listed as an asset of community value two months ago.
An application has been lodged with Norwich City Council to demolish part of the old building on Long John Hill, convert it into a home, and build over the pub garden with eight further three-bedroom homes.
The developers behind the scheme argue the site is no longer viable as a pub.
But the Norwich and Norfolk branch of CAMRA has 'strongly objected' to the plans, as their request to list the pub as an asset of community value (ACV) was accepted by the city council in May.
In their application, Building Plans Ltd, acting for an undisclosed client, are under the impression 'no decision has been made' over the ACV request.
They add: 'The pub has had three operators on decreasing rents since 2014. The site was advertised as a going concern as per Enterprise Inn's policy prior to being marketed by Roche on May 4, 2016.
'The information supplied demonstrates there is no interest in running a public house and has proven unviable.'
A significant fire around 1908 led to extensive rebuilding of The Cock but many of the original features remain.
Pub protection officer at Norwich and Norfolk CAMRA Neil Bowers said the pub is 'perfectly viable'.
'This pub has been neglected by the previous PUBCO owners and have left a perfectly viable pub to become derelict,' he said.
'In the right hands and due to the position of this pub it could become a very well run pub. It is perfect for families who wish to sit by the river. If this was to become housing then that facility would be lost as this stretch of the river would become private.
'There is no other pub like this within in the area and it would be a loss to the local community if this was to become residential housing.
'You only have to look at the Coldham Hall Tavern to see that this pub could become a thriving community pub.
'With pubs closing at 21 per week, and the loss of another pub within Norwich, this application if approved would have a detrimental affect on the local community.'
The plans are out for consultation and is due to be determined in late August.
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