AN old vicarage in Felixstowe is set to be converted into seven affordable flats to help deal with the resort's need for starter homes.The project for the former St John's Church vicarage will mean the flats are sold at 80 per cent of their market value in a shared equity scheme to give first-time buyers a foot on the housing ladder.
AN old vicarage in Felixstowe is set to be converted into seven affordable flats to help deal with the resort's need for starter homes.
The project for the former St John's Church vicarage will mean the flats are sold at 80 per cent of their market value in a shared equity scheme to give first-time buyers a foot on the housing ladder.
Briarley Homes and the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich will manage the scheme.
A new modern vicarage has been built nearby, freeing the old three-storey, double-fronted, Victorian red-brick house in Princes Road for redevelopment.
Suffolk Coastal councillors will be asked to give officers authority to approve the proposals to convert the property into five two-bed flats and two one-bed apartments at the south area development control sub committee on Thursday .
According to a report to the committee, there are 65 applicants on the Common Housing Register waiting for two-bedroomed accommodation and 32 for one-bedroomed accommodation.
Planning officers say the principle of conversion of the building to flats is acceptable and the grounds will provide an attractive amenity and outlook for residents.
However, there is a concern over parking as there will only be six spaces for seven flats.
The report said: “The retention of existing trees on the site is important, given they contribute significantly to the character of the area and that of the Conservation Area.
“In respect of parking provision regard will need to be made to the site's close proximity to the town centre and good public transport links.
“Essentially a balance needs to be struck between an appropriate level of off-road parking and the impact that on-site parking will have on the character of the site and its surroundings.”
n. Do you think the vicarage should be made into flats? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or email eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here