Plans to demolish Landguard Lodge in Felixstowe halted

Languard Lodge and Cottage in Felixstowe were set to be demolished to make way for additional holiday accommodation and enable the expansion of Park Holidays' Suffolk Sans Holiday Park. 

However, East Suffolk Council has since issued an Article 4 Direction which limits the work that can be done without needing planning permission from the authority.

Landguard Lodge in Felixstowe (Image: Charlotte Bond)

A spokeamn for the council said: "Notification was given on behalf of Park Holidays UK Ltd, in July, of their intention to demolish the buildings under Part 31 of the Town and Country Planning Order 1995, with a proposed commencement date for demolition of September 11, to facilitate the development of additional holiday accommodation to enable the expansion of Park Holidays’ Suffolk Sands Holiday Park.

"The Article 4(1) Direction, issued by East Suffolk Council under Schedule 2, Part 11 of the General Permitted Development Order following advice from the Council’s Design and Conservation Officer, removes demolition permitted development rights and means that a planning application must now be submitted if the owners wish to demolish the building."

The application has already received 40 objections from local residents.

The Felixstowe Society has said it "strongly objects" to the proposal. 

In a statement, it said: "The Felixstowe Society considers that these buildings are important as they contribute to the character and setting of the area."

The Society believes the buildings should be the subject of a building preservation notice.

Representations concerning the direction may be made until October 18.

The direction will cease to be in force after March 27 next year unless it has been confirmed by East Suffolk Council.

If the council does decide to confirm the direction, it shall remain in force indefinitely.