Plans to transform the empty Cavendish Hotel on Felixstowe’s seafront into homes and commercial units have been given the go-ahead once planners secure financial agreements for affordable housing.
The former Cavendish Hotel in Beach Station Road has been subject to proposals to create 48 flats above three commercial and retail units alongside 11 houses.
The matter was deferred from March’s planning committee for suitable affordable housing provision to be decided.
Planning officers said that matter had been resolved with a commuted sum of £350,000 – the value of six flats or 10% of the development.
Approval has been granted for the head of planning to secure the funds within six months, which will allow the plans to go ahead.
Planning committee member and ward councillor for Felixstowe south, Andy Smith, said: “I am very, very pleased to see this.
“I think it’s a further statement of the thriving status of the economy of Felixstowe in a variety of different ways.
“The outcome here is the best that we can realistically expect.”
Committee members expressed disappointment over the affordable housing being a commuted sum rather than designated units, but said it was an exciting development for Felixstowe.
The application attracted 23 letters of objection raising concerns over the height of the building – which will be higher than neighbouring buildings – and the amount of parking among other issues, but 23 letters of support were also received.
Felixstowe Town Council also formally backed the scheme in the consultation period.
Martin Last, from Last and Tricker which was representing applicants Blue Street Properties, said: “We are pleased with the decision which has taken a while to get here.
“We would like to add that the case officers have been first class throughout the process.”
A developer will now be sought to carry out the construction.
Mr Last added: “We now hope that we can find a developer and develop the building for the benefit of the south east of the town.”
It is not yet clear when work may begin, but the report ahead of the committee said it would be a “massive benefit to Felixstowe”.
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