The landlord of a Suffolk ferry pub has said he has not been consulted about plans to convert an area of free parking in front of his business into a pay and display that will double the number of spaces.

East Suffolk Council is planning to resurface and extend the gravel parking near the Ferry Boat Inn at Felixstowe Ferry, which a planning statement described as being in a 'very poor state of repair'.

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The statement also said the aim was to 'formalise inadequate facilities and ensure its long term security both as a car park and open space for use in association with the public house'.

But Kevin Dalton, landlord of the inn, which is the 'public house' in question, said he had not had any dealings with the developer, beyond receiving a standard planning notice sent to all households in the area, which details the intentions for the site.

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Although the pub does not own the land, there are benches on grass next to the car park which are used by pub customers, which are particularly popular during the summer months and Mr Dalton was unsure whether he would have to remove them to make way for the car park.

East Anglian Daily Times: Kevin Dalton, landlord of the Ferry Boat Inn, said he had not been consulted about car park plans and was unsure whether benches in front of the pub could be retainedKevin Dalton, landlord of the Ferry Boat Inn, said he had not been consulted about car park plans and was unsure whether benches in front of the pub could be retained (Image: Google Maps)He said the pub had maintained the grass area for '20 odd years' in the absence of anybody else taking on that responsibility.

"Nobody has told us anything, but now that we have got this planning notice, we will be ringing the developer to find out what is going on.

"As it has been used by the Ferry Boat Inn for more than 20 years, we might have some rights to carry on using it," Mr Dalton added.

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The developers are planning to extend the car park to double the number of spaces for cars from the existing 19 to 38, while also creating two disabled parking spaces.

Tarmac will also be laid down at the entrances to the parking area, with gravel used in the main area and there will be a variety of ticket options, including 30 minutes, two hours, four hours and daily.

An East Suffolk Council spokesperson said: “An application has been submitted by East Suffolk Council for the resurfacing and extension of an existing car park on land adjacent the Ferry Boat Inn, Felixstowe.

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“The land currently provides limited parking and is in a poor state of repair, but provision of a pay and display car park will formalise facilities and ensure long-term security for the site, while an in/out entrance will improve accessibility.

"The proposal also includes the provision of accessible bays, contactless payments, additional drainage via soakaways and additional lighting.

"Any plans will ensure the retention of green open space in this location.

“Consultation with neighbouring properties and the residents’ association has taken place. Further consultees may be added during the course of the planning application process.”