Application for Number Ten Wine Bar and Restaurant in Lavenham, near Sudbury and Bury St Edmunds, to be used for residential purposes turned down

A controversial application for a ‘much loved’ fifteenth-century bar and restaurant in Suffolk to be turned into a home and events site has been refused.

The proposal to remove Number Ten Wine Bar and Restaurant in Lavenham near Sudbury attracted 75 objections from local people and business staff.

Babergh District Council refused the application for the site on 10 Lady Street yesterday, referring to the ‘marked’ loss of employment and the ‘unsatisfactory’ mix of residential use on the first floor and retail use on the ground floor.

One person who has worked at the family-run restaurant for nine years expressed ‘deep concern’ for the potential closure of a ‘much loved hospitality venue, which is a valued community asset and tourist hotspot’.

The employee continued: “During these uncertain times when so many restaurants and bars are closing due to rising costs, it would be devastating to see such a thriving and popular business close its doors – and around 15 people lose their jobs unnecessarily.”

The application was submitted by the property’s landlords, Simon Turner and Holly Bellingham, in November 2018.

It proposed using the ground floor to sell art and host dining events, which would run between five and fifteen times a month. This area would also be available as a function space for community groups. The first floor would be used as a home.

The plans suggested knocking down partition walls in the toilets on the ground floor and first floor, as well as a small area of wall on the ground floor.

Catering furniture would be removed from the outbuilding under the proposals, while the bar, kitchenette and kitchen furniture would be taken out to make way for a new kitchen.

A resident who has lived in Lavenham for 57 years said: “This property has grown from just another ancient house to a great asset to the village.

“Not only is it for good for quality eating but it has also become a meeting point for visitors and charity events.

“I have seen the business grow into a tourist attraction in which the structure and building methods of our ancestors can be seen.

“The village has lost The Great House, which was a vintage eating place for so long.

“Lavenham lives on tourism. With its pubs being lost, we need as many attractions as possible.”

The closure of the Grade Two, fourteenth century Great House was announced last September.

Number Ten has run at the corner of Water Street and Lady Street since March 2013.

The statement submitted on behalf of the applicants in November 2022 explained their view: “The works to the building would not harm its heritage significance and will actually deliver some positive benefit.”

When landlords submitted the change of use application, the bar’s owners said they would consider legal action if it was approved.