BLOCKS of 14 new flats could be built on Felixstowe seafront, despite fears that loss of the site will hit moves to regenerate the resort.Town councillors are keen to keep options open for the use of the land between Platters Road and St Edmunds Road in case a tourism-related use can be found.

BLOCKS of 14 new flats could be built on Felixstowe seafront, despite fears that loss of the site will hit moves to regenerate the resort.

Town councillors are keen to keep options open for the use of the land between Platters Road and St Edmunds Road in case a tourism-related use can be found.

But planners say the site – which lies behind the Forum, a complex featuring pool club, arcade and kiosks – is not on the main sea frontage.

Phoenix Leisure Ltd has submitted the scheme to use the service yard and parking area belonging to the Forum, a parcel of land right next to the Felixstowe and Suffolk Bowling Club.

The flats would be three storeys high and built in two blocks, one of nine and the other of five, to front the two roads with parking in the centre of the site.

Felixstowe Town Council has strongly recommended refusal because it says the scheme is contrary to policies to keep the seafront area for visitor attractions, food outlets, holiday accommodation, museums and pubs.

It said it feared the loss would harm the current campaign to regenerate the resort by taking away a prime site.

Nearest neighbours the bowls club though had no objection and was even pleased that the scheme will mean the felling of a row of poplar trees, which have damaged the bowling green and paths in the past.

In a report to members of Suffolk Coastal's development control sub committee south, which will meet on Thursday October 16 to decide the application, planning officers say the current policies only apply to the Sea Road frontage.

"The occupation of flats on a currently underused site is likely to contribute positively to the vitality of the area rather than undermining the objectives behind the policy," said the report.

"The existing townscape quality in the vicinity of the site is not high. The proposed flats represent an opportunity for enhancement of the area generally.

"The provision of small units in flats would be a useful addition to the housing stock or provide suitable holiday accommodation, well located for access to the sea and other attractions and facilities of the town."

Deliveries for the Forum take place from the front of the premises and the rear yard is hardly used and it is not a public car park.