Anger is mounting over plans which would see part of a riverside Norwich pub demolished to make way for housing.

Eastern Daily Press: John Elbro, from the Yare Valley Society. Picture: Denise Bradley.John Elbro, from the Yare Valley Society. Picture: Denise Bradley. (Image: Archant)

An application has been lodged with Norwich City Council to demolish part of the currently closed Lakenham Cock pub in Long John Hill to convert it into a home.

The developers, who argue the site is no longer viable as a pub, also want to build eight three-bedroom homes in what was previously the pub's car park.

Norwich and Norfolk CAMRA had already objected to the plans and have now been joined by a number of neighbours, the Yare Valley Society and civic watchdog The Norwich Society.

John Elbro, chairman of the Yare Valley Society, is objecting for four reasons - one of which is the loss of the pub.

Eastern Daily Press: Flashback to years gone by. and a view of the old Lakenham Cock.Flashback to years gone by. and a view of the old Lakenham Cock.

He said: 'A public house in this location is a significant local and tourist asset. It offers a large garden adjacent to the river, where the Yare Valley landscape can be enjoyed in relative tranquillity.

'It provides an attraction for tourists staying at the camping and caravan site and its location is in keeping with the green space and other recreational assets of the Yare Valley Green Infrastructure Corridor.

'A public house so well positioned for clientele and on such as potentially attractive site should provide adequate opportunities for a successful business.'

The Norwich Society has also objected, saying: 'We regret the loss of the public house and attractive riverside public space and find the designs relate poorly, both to the setting and the existing building to be retained.'

In documents lodged with City Hall, Building Plans Ltd, stated: '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.'

Neighbours have also lodged objections with the council.

Caroline Gill, of Martineau Lane, wrote to the council to say: 'I feel very strongly against these plans and so do many people I have spoken to.'

The council will make a decision on whether to approve the plans in due course.