The future of Belle Vue House in Sudbury looks secure after the council agreed to a sale.

Babergh District Council had set a deadline of Monday, March 13 for developers to submit bids to revamp the property, off Newton Road in the town.

The house was brought back onto the market in January after a previous planning application, which also included land adjacent to the house, was rejected in autumn last year.

Churchill Retirement Living had previously submitted proposals to convert the whole site, including Belle Vue Park, into a block of 41 retirement apartments, with the main house itself being divided into two homes.

This scheme fell through after McCabe & Abel, which was developing the house on behalf of Churchill, pulled out – despite the proposals being recommended for approval.

All bids for Belle Vue House were considered by Babergh District Council, with the preferred one being presented to cabinet for the final decision.

The decision was passed unanimously, a council spokesman said.

However, the local authority has not revealed the identity of the successful bidder.

Plans for the remaining land, including the former swimming pool site, which had been proposed for development for a new, accessible park entrance, will be considered in due course.

John Ward, leader and cabinet member for economic growth at Babergh District Council, said he was delighted the council had agreed to a sale of the 1800s house.

He said: "After a series of delays, I’m pleased that we have been able to make progress and secure the future and the restoration of Belle Vue House."

Speaking on plans for the development of a new park entrance, Mr Ward said: "Babergh District Council is committed to improving Belle Vue Park with a focus on accessibility and better connectivity to the town for the benefit of all."