Concerns raised over plans to build a new home on former Bury St Edmunds smock windmill site

Neighbours are objecting to plans to build a new home on the former site of a smock windmill in Bury St Edmunds.

David Hughes has submitted a planning application to West Suffolk Council to demolish the existing home at 119a King’s Road and build a replacement property, however several objections to the scheme have been lodged.

Although the existing building is not listed or a designated heritage asset, elements of the site are covered under article four directions, which restrict the changes that can be made without planning permission.

The site was once part of the King’s Road smock windmill, a four-storey timber smock windmill with four sails and a beehive-shaped cap.

It is thought the mill and pumphouse were built in the early 19th century before being partially demolished in about 1913, with the pumphouse reduced in height and converted into the home on site today.

A planning statement submitted to the council said: “The existing property has been poorly extended over the years and neither the scale nor layout are suitable for a good-sized family home, showing signs of wear and tear and a rundown appearance.

“The proposed replacement is a sustainable dwelling which reflects the needs and requirements of the current owner, for present and future use. The design is a contemporary approach to a dwelling in a town setting and reflects the surrounding context.

“We believe the submitted proposal is a respectful response and looks to enhance the existing site, without negative impact on the conservation area, architectural interest and setting of the site and surrounding neighbouring properties.”

But some neighbours are unhappy they were not informed about the plans by letter and site notices were not posted.

Sarah Bentley, of Victoria Street, said: “The property in question is on land adjacent to our property – why were we and our neighbors not directly notified about this planning request?”

While this has since been rectified, West Suffolk Council was approached for comment.

Concerns have also been raised about the size of the proposed new home, overlooking and the potential for the site to be developed into more than one property.

Dr Berthold Gottgens, of Victoria Street, said: “I can foresee a developer coming in replacing what was the oldest property in the area with a whole row of modern houses, all in an ambition to maximise profits.”

Neighbour Will Bishop, in his objection letter, asked whether the mill building could be restored rather than demolished.

He said: “Why demolish and erode our history when it could be maintained? It forms an integral part of the heritage and deserves to stay.”

He feels the proposed new home is ‘dominant and impinges heavily on neighbouring properties, taking away light, overshadowing and removing all privacy’.

Zoe Fox, of Victoria Street, said: “We have recently moved to the area and are a little alarmed to see such a sizable building being proposed directly behind our house.”

Patricia Needham, of King’s Road, said: “This area is heavily built up as it is. A very large building blocking light and the construction materials do nothing to enhance the surroundings.”

Vanessa Kroll, of King’s Road, is concerned about the proposal being overbearing, overshadowing and overlooking her home, while she also raised not being notified about the plans.