John Taylor, who is converting St Michael at Plea church on Redwell Street, was told by Norwich City Council that he cannot open past midnight – with music needing to stop at 11pm.

However, Mr Taylor who believed the plans have been handled poorly by the authority, took the matter to government planning inspectors who have overturned City Hall's ruling.

The council granted permission for the jazz bar in July this year but part of its approval included a clause which said the premises would not trade past midnight on any day of the week.

But the businessman vowed to fight the council’s opening time restriction and has now won.

Mr Taylor has won his appeal (Image: The Church - Norwich piano bar)

Mr Taylor previously said: "I would be happy to be granted a 2am licence on a temporary basis with music until 1am while I prove my noise levels, but restricting my music to 11pm at weekends cripples my business."

The church is located in an area of the city which has a number of bars and clubs including Mr Postles' Apothecary, Mr Taylor says there is footfall in the area until 3am.

Planning inspector David Reed stated in his report: "While a precautionary approach to protect the interests of nearby residents can be justified in some circumstances, this is outweighed in this case by the benefits of establishing whether the piano bar can operate for the extended hours required within acceptable noise limits.

"This could potentially secure an appropriate reuse for one of Norwich’s redundant churches and make a useful contribution to the vitality and economy of the city centre."

© Norwich Evening News