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Historic site in Bedingfield, Eye, where unused barn range could be turned into holiday homes and spa




A historic site in Eye could see an unused barn range turned into new holiday homes and a spa.

Mid Suffolk District Council planners are considering proposals for the Flemmings Hall site in Bedingfield, Eye – a Grade II*-listed building with special ‘historic and architectural interest’ due to its history spanning back over 1,000 years.

It is set within a moated enclosure in the Suffolk countryside, close to many popular tourist destinations.

An 18th century barn within the Flemmings Hall site. Picture: Fieldwork Architects
An 18th century barn within the Flemmings Hall site. Picture: Fieldwork Architects

Now, applicant Mr Phillippe wants to turn a courtyard of existing barns to the south east of the hall into three holiday lets, alongside a new fourth unit being built to the east of the site — none of which have the same listing as the main hall.

With the site having a significant historical context attached to it, planning permission could rest on the impact the development would have on the site’s heritage.

An 18th-century standalone thatched oak-framed barn at the centre of the site could be turned into a one-bedroom home as part of the scheme.

Flemmings Hall. Picture: Fieldwork Architects
Flemmings Hall. Picture: Fieldwork Architects

The applicant’s agent, Fieldwork Architects, said the overall level of harm which would result from the plans would be ‘less than substantial’ or ‘very low’.

Meanwhile, revenue from the usage of the new proposals could be used for the maintenance and repair of the more historically significant buildings.

The agent said could also ‘allow a greater appreciation and understanding of the site to the public by allowing access to the farmstead part of the site for holidays’.