A Suffolk riverside cafe redevelopment has been described as a "Wild West stockade" by neighbours concerned it has been built bigger than was initially approved.
In November 2022, East Suffolk Council granted permission for the work to the popular Caravan Cafe at Ferry Quay in Woodbridge, which involves replacing the caravan with a new building and seating deck.
The developers of the cafe have applied to the council to vary a planning condition in response to complaints the building did not meet the original plans.
Quayside homeowners say the Ferry Quay cafe is larger in scale and blotting out their views.
READ MORE: Work progressing on Woodbridge quay cafe's new building
Woodbridge resident Richard Hare said the new structure was a metre higher than the caravan and had not been built with "open railings" as proposed, but instead a solid wood frontage.
The result was that homeowners could no longer see a rail footbridge on the other side of the cafe, while views of the River Deben from behind the building were also obstructed.
READ MORE: Woodbridge: New building for Caravan Cafe at Ferry Quay
"It is not just purely the obstruction of the view. It is also the violation of the regulations. It looks like a stockade in a Wild West film," Mr Hare said.
Other residents have also voiced their objections to the building and have written to the council opposing the application to vary the conditions of the planning permission.
Objector Penny Moon said: "This new application is required because the owner/builder of this large prominent building, in a very public place, has made alterations to the approved plans without permission and so, if it is approved, it will make a complete mockery of East Suffolk Council planning authority and the flood gates will open with people following suit."
A spokesperson for East Suffolk Council said: “An application has been submitted to vary a condition of planning permission for a new café building and seating deck at Ferry Quay Café, in Woodbridge.
READ MORE: Woodbridge news
READ MORE: Suffolk news
“The application, which is currently awaiting decision, follows a complaint regarding a possible breach of control, that the building was not built in accordance with the approved plans.
“As with the original planning application and all planning applications received by East Suffolk Council, this will be considered with due weight given to material planning considerations, including policies within the development plan, as well as any comments received during the consultation period.”
The developers have been approached for comment.
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