Shop and pergola plans at The Brewers Arms, in Polstead, aim to ‘ensure a viable business into the future’

Part of a restaurant in a village near Hadleigh could become a shop under new proposals submitted to planners.

Babergh District Council is considering an application for The Brewers Arms, Bower House Tye, Polstead, to change the use of part of the restaurant and a single B&B room into a shop, along with building a detached pergola.

Applicant Mitch Marginson said the existing business, car park and access would be unaffected.

A design and access statement submitted to Babergh planners said: “The development shall enhance the appeal of the existing business use (public house/restaurant/hotel) for increasing viability as a community facility and the range of services it is able to offer.

“The applicants/owners are now seeking permission for minor works to/at the property to enable minor diversification, offer community benefit and ensure a viable business into the future.”

A previous proposal for the site – including new dwellings, holiday lodges, access and structural landscaping – was dismissed at appeal last month.

“This application is not that by any comparison,” said the statement. “It is simply to reinforce the current business via minor diversification and to ensure it continues to servie a positive part of the community for the future.”

The proposed pergola would ‘improve the beer garden dining experience’.

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