New plans for shop at The Crown Inn, Stowmarket, submitted after previous proposals refused

Revised plans have been submitted to transform a long-closed pub into a shop after initial proposals were refused due to parking concerns.

The Crown Inn in Crown Street, Stowmarket, closed in November 2020 and a new application has been submitted to Mid Suffolk District Council to change the building’s use from a pub to convenience store.

Applicant Stephen Barrett previously submitted plans to change the pub in March but the application was refused in May for not demonstrating safe and suitable access to the site, therefore causing potential traffic issues with on-street parking on nearby roads.

Mr Barrett has now submitted updated proposals which address some of the council’s concerns with a more detailed document on transportation and access at the site.

A planning document said: “The whole of the rear yard is enclosed by a wall, with only a single gate for access.

“The proposed change-of-use opens up the rear yard, by removing the front wall and installing new concertina gates, which will improve access and/or pallet deliveries, together with vastly improving visibility for vehicles, and pedestrians leaving the site.”

Referencing the previous refusal, it added: “It must be recognised that this is not a virgin site but an adaptation of an existing site.

“The proposed changes would be a vast improvement to what has been historically in place.”

The new plans also tackle other issues raised by the council, including concerns about noise disturbance to nearby residents — in particular, the refusal stated the development would result in ‘significant structure borne noise’.

With this, the plans argue that the noise was ‘likely to have been far worse’ when the building was a pub as it would have hosted music events and social activities.

However, if approved, the building’s party wall to neighbouring properties will be drylined with soundproofing boards and insulation.

The plans also show that the shop’s owners would apply to run a Post Office facility from the site.

The planning statement said: “The new owners are intending to apply for permission to run a small Post Office from the premises.

“A new Post Office service would provide an important service which has been lost in the locality.”

Mid Suffolk District Council is due to discuss the plans on Monday, October 14.