RESIDENTS fear that one of Felixstowe's best-known views could be lost forever if a project to extend a seafront restaurant is permitted.Councillors have agreed to visit The Alex in Sea Road to look at the ideas for the scheme before they make a decision next month.

RESIDENTS fear that one of Felixstowe's best-known views could be lost forever if a project to extend a seafront restaurant is permitted.

Councillors have agreed to visit The Alex in Sea Road to look at the ideas for the scheme before they make a decision next month.

Owner of the venue, Tim Yeo has applied to Suffolk Coastal to create a second floor extension for offices, and alter the ground floor frontage, remove a balcony, and create a new canopy over an extended pavement seating area.

The plans would affect the Alex in Undercliff Road West and also the former ice cream parlour next door, also owned by Mr Yeo.

Nine residents have objected to the scheme, claiming the alterations would create a bigger bar area and a 50 per cent larger outside area, increasing disturbance from drinkers.

They also fear the second floor extension will wreck the traditional panoramic view of the seafront enjoyed by many from the top of Bent Hill and would stick out like "a sore thumb".

There are also concerns about loss of light and privacy for neighbouring properties.

Conservation group The Felixstowe Society has objected because it feels the alterations to the old ice cream parlour are unsympathetic to a classical seaside building and felt wood should be used instead of metal for the canopy.

A report to the council's development control sub committee - whose members agreed the site visit - said the new second floor extension would have a low-level curved roof with a glass front and be set back.

"The additional second floor extension is of a design which blends in with the modern frontage of The Alex," said the report, which recommended approval for the scheme.

"It is felt it would preserve the character of this part of the Conservation Area and would blend in with other properties along the seafront."

Planning officers felt residents could have worries about loss of privacy if the new extension was to be used as a restaurant, but any permission would be restricted to use as offices.

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