A community leader has renewed his calls for the redevelopment of a pub site that has been derelict for more than a decade. 

The redundant site of The Vixen pub in Strasbourg Square, Haverhill, went up for auction and failed to sell on several occasions last year.

Town councillor John Burns, who represents the Haverhill East Ward, said according to the land registry the site was sold in November 2023 - but he has had "no news" from West Suffolk Council concerning any indication of plans. 

"As I have said before it should be knocked down and a sympathetic development of a small number of flats/houses with most definitely two small non-food retail such as hairdressers to attract customers to the local centre and area, suitable parking and landscaping," he said.

The Vixen pub in Strasbourg Square, HaverhillThe Vixen pub in Strasbourg Square, Haverhill (Image: Google maps) "I am not one to berate others but if this were left to rot in Bury St Edmunds then everybody would be up in arms."

He said the site is not the only one in Haverhill that has been left derelict, citing the Grade II listed Corn Exchange as another example.

"We have been promised so much for so long residents have just come to accept nothing will ever been done," he added.

John BurnsJohn Burns (Image: Haverhill Town Council) Indy Wijenayaka, cabinet member for growth at West Suffolk Council said: "We recognise that the former Vixen Pub site is in a very poor state and needs redevelopment for the benefit of the community but is in private hands and therefore not under the control of the council.

"However, there are on-going pre-application discussions taking place between the third party owner/developer and the local planning authority which we hope will be concluded as soon as possible.

"West Suffolk Council does own the adjacent car park and we would likely be amenable to granting any rights of access required by the developer, subject to agreement which protects the public users of the car park and the council’s landholding interest.

"The council want to see a solution to this as soon as possible but that is not entirely up to the council."

Councillor Indy WijenayakaCouncillor Indy Wijenayaka (Image: WSC) He said the council's aim is to "help all our communities thrive no matter where they are in west Suffolk".

He continued: "For instance having spent millions of pounds on Provincial House in the centre of Haverhill which has helped save local jobs, as just seen new facilities for adult learning and skills open there as well as benefitting the town centre.

"This is just one of the many projects we are delivering in Haverhill with partners."