A FORMER vicarage in Felixstowe's conservation area is set to be renovated and converted into seven new homes, two of which will be affordable.Suffolk Coastal councillors gave planning officers the authority to approve the plans submitted by developer Briarley Homes and the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich for the conversion of the vicarage into five two-bedroom flats and two one-bedroom flats.

A FORMER vicarage in Felixstowe's conservation area is set to be renovated and converted into seven new homes, two of which will be affordable.

Suffolk Coastal councillors gave planning officers the authority to approve the plans submitted by developer Briarley Homes and the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich for the conversion of the vicarage into five two-bedroom flats and two one-bedroom flats. Two of the flats at the property will be offered as affordable housing and managed by the diocese.

Ivan Jowers, chairman of the south area development control sub-committee said: “These plans are a good example of helping to meet the pressure for new homes in Felixstowe while protecting and preserving the history and character of the conservation area.

“The developer and the diocese should be congratulated for coming up with a scheme that provides the town with seven new homes, two of which will be affordable for those unable to buy on the open market, but which also safeguards the future of this beautiful Victorian building and its surrounding trees.”

The vacant former vicarage on Princes Road used to serve neighbouring St John's Church, for which a new vicarage has been built.

Councillors want to see the trees protected and retained as they are an important feature within the conservation area.