Councillor says up for sale eyesore Haverhill pub needs to be put to ‘a good community use’

After a ramshackle, disused pub was put up for sale again, a councillor whose ward borders the site iterated his hopes that it can be put to a good community use.

The former Fox pub, next to the A143 on the entrance to Haverhill, is on the market with Savills, the third time it has been put up for sale in more than three years.

Formerly known as The Rising Sun, it has stood empty for more than a decade.

A previous owner gained approval from West Suffolk Council in April 2021 to knock down the building and turn it into a Harvester or Toby Carvery-style pub but two years later, after that never happened, it was sold again.

The pub fell under new ownership again and a planning application was submitted by Rutherford Holdings Ltd to turn the site into a convenience store and drive-through coffee house but this was refused permission last July.

With the eyesore building now on the market again, town, district and county councillor Joe Mason, said: “I am keen to see this site developed. Residents and councillors in Haverhill have been frustrated that The Fox has been left derelict for too many years.

“There have been a number of planning applications submitted previously, but nothing delivered.

“There is a real need for this site to provide a community function and not result in more housing or flats.

“Many residents have spoken to me about wanting to see a gastro pub/restaurant here, maintaining its original purpose. This too is my preference and I am certain it would do well in this fast expanding part of town.

“It’s really important these estates have the infrastructure needed to support them.

“Whilst I am sympathetic to calls for a convenience store it is important to understand that both the Persimmon and Redrow estates will be getting local centres with shopping facilities. “Planning applications on these sites for these facilities have already been submitted and will be delivered.

“It is essential these planned local centres are not undermined by a planning application for a convenience store in this location.

“I look forward to seeing what new plans will come forward for this important and prominent site.”