DEVELOPERS have submitted proposals for a £15 million project featuring 55 new apartments at Felixstowe.The scheme is already under fire from residents - but it is increasingly likely some development will take place on the site with pressure on vacant plots and the need for new housing intense.

DEVELOPERS have submitted proposals for a £15 million project featuring 55 new apartments at Felixstowe.

The scheme is already under fire from residents - but it is increasingly likely some development will take place on the site with pressure on vacant plots and the need for new housing intense.

Landro Ltd say the scheme for Hamilton Gardens is a chance to make the area really special.

The plans propose converting Cliff House, a former Edwardian hotel but more recently used as offices, into 18 flats with two more complementing blocks with 37 flats built on the car park alongside and the site of Hamilton House, Cambridge Road, which would be demolished.

Car parking will be underground, which Hadleigh-based consulting engineers Richard Jackson plc says should overcome concerns about the cliffs because it will “actually have the effect of improving the overall stability of the slope”.

Some 48 of the 55 flats would be two-bed homes.

Conversion of Cliff House would include putting back the balconies removed when wrought iron was needed for the war effort.

Suffolk Coastal planning officers are currently assessing the project and carrying out public consultation.

One objector, John Hart, of nearby listed Harvest House, Cobbold Road, said the scheme was “totally inappropriate” and would have a massive impact on the sewers, drains and electricity network.

“The character of the neighbourhood would be fundamentally changed. The eastern end of Brownlow Road would become a cliff of tall buildings,” he said.

Guy Gredley, of Landro, has described the development as “a fantastic opportunity to make this area of Felixstowe really special”.

He said Cliff House was rarely half-used as office space and was no longer viable for business use.

Councillors threw out the last plans for the site after receiving nearly 100 letters of objection.

However, they know they will have the bite the bullet and allow the car park - which a century ago was tennis courts for the hotel - and allow some development if a suitable design can be agreed.

Is it time to build on Cliff House car park? Let us know your views of the new plans - write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail EveningStarLetters@eveningstar.co.uk