Norwich City Council has approved the contentious applications to transform the United Reformed Church (URC) in Princes Street and St Michael at Plea church in Redwell Street.

During a meeting of the planning committee this week, those living in the area said they feared increased noise and traffic in the surrounding cobbled streets.

However, both applicants succeeded in persuading councillors that the cultural and economic benefits of both proposals outweighed any harm to neighbouring homes.

The United Reformed Church in Princes Street (Image: Steve Adams) The plans for the URC sought permission to turn it into an arts centre and events space, hosting concerts, classical music performances, art exhibitions and fitness classes.

The venue, which has been closed since 2020, will host up to 300 people at a time, and some objectors feared it would ultimately become a nightclub.

A petition in support of the project attracted more than 700 signatures - but those who turned out to the........

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