A restaurant in west Suffolk has submitted a planning application to extend the use of its outdoor dining space.

Tuddenham Mill opened Tipi on the Stream during the coronavirus pandemic as a way to serve customers within regulations at the time.

At the start of 2023, an application was granted to keep the tipi in place for another year but this is due to run out on February 2, 2024.

The new application submitted at the start of December is asking for permission to extend the retention of the tipi for three years, and to keep it open until 11pm daily in accordance with the hotel licence.

In the planning statement submitted as part of the application, it says: “The Tipi has proved very popular with guests and has secured several bookings during its operation.

“The Tipi is considered a vital aspect to the functioning of the site as a whole following the detriment caused by the pandemic in relation to tourist footfall.”