FAMOUS music venue The Bull and Gate will be turned into a gastro­pub after planners approved a scheme to remove features inside the Grade II-listed building in Kentish Town Road, knock down its outbuildings and convert the former concert hall into a dining room.

Brewery Young’s had asked for permission to change the interior layout at the legendary venue, which was used as a springboard for rock and pop acts such as Blur, Coldplay and Nirvana.

Caroline Hill, from the Kentish Town Neighbourhood Forum and the Kentish Town Road Action civic group, said the listed status was for the building in its entirety and that the scheme should not be passed, adding it would see the destruction of “fruity motifs” – plaster works that adorn parts of the pub – and glass work above the bar.

She said: “We accept there have been additions over the past 142 years but they are planning to destroy some features that are in the gin palace tradition and are specific to the pub.”

Kentish Town ward Labour councillor Jenny Headlam Wells told the meeting on Tuesday night she regretted the loss of the concert hall at the back of the pub – but that some of the proposed work would improve the interior. 

She added: “The pub would be improved by stripping it back and clearing the decks of 1970s glass that looks rather garish. It does have a jolly charm but no finesse.

“The loss of the music venue is what worries me. 

“It has been the launchpad for so many up-and-coming bands and should have been kept as such.”

Heritage expert John Lowe, employed by Young’s, said: “We want to respect this listed building and ensure its long-term preservation. We have analysed the fabric of the building and our plans will bring real benefits. 

“We want to reinstate a staircase taken out in the 1970s, and we will recreate the first-floor function room, currently split in three and closed to the public.”