Plans to change Sudbury Snooker Club, in North Street, to flats rejected by Babergh District Council

Plans which could have seen a town’s snooker hall changed into flats, which received nearly 130 public objections, have been refused.

Sudbury Snooker Club, in North Street, first opened in 1985, and was the subject of an application D&A Property Developers Limited to turn it into four three and two-bedroom flats.

Babergh District Council rejected these plans on Friday.

The application sought whether prior approval was needed for the proposed change of use.

The council determined prior approval was required, and in turn refused it.

The proposals were the subject of much public consternation, with 129 comments of objection submitted by residents to the proposals.

Issues cited included the loss of other publicly available snooker venues, the decline of the high street, the loss of a key social and community location and the club being a viable business.

One public comment of support was lodged.

Sudbury Snooker Club offers pay-to-play options for visitors as well as membership opportunities for those who play regularly.

The site has a snooker room, communal room, seating area, bar and toilets.

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The applicant can appeal to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.