Heath House pub in Norwich to be turned into housing

Heath House in Gertrude Road, which has been vacant for several years, will be turned into a new home under plans approved by Norwich City Council. 

There have been two previous applications at the site, one of which was withdrawn, the other refused, and another ongoing bid to see it turned into three apartments. 

The pub first opened in 1936 but will now be repurposed as a four-bedroom home.

Sandra and Brian Spalding of the Heath House pub in 1998 (Image: Adrian Judd)

Norwich City Council officers said: "While it is regrettable to change the use of the building after many years of trading as a pub on the same site, it is beneficial to have the property inhabited and maintained.

"Otherwise, we are allowing it to decay and incur damage from disuse and potential vandalism over time."

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The Heath House pub in Gertrude Road (Image: Google Maps)

The home will have a living room, garden room and seven bathrooms - creating "suspicion" among councillors that the property will eventually be used as a HMO. 

Keith Driver, councillor for Lakenham ward, said: "I think it's a great shame for the community that the pub is shut, it was the only one around in that area.

"But as long as the new residents keep the character of the pub alive then I think this will work well."