MOVES to demolish one of Felixstowe's oldest and best-known hotels as part of a major makeover for a part of the seaside town have taken a big step forward.

MOVES to demolish one of Felixstowe's oldest and best-known hotels as part of a major makeover for a part of the seaside town have taken a big step forward.

National retirement homes specialists McCarthy & Stone have submitted a planning application to knock down the 120-year-old Ordnance Hotel and replace it with 43 sheltered flats for the elderly.

The company says its consultation with residents has shown people in favour of the development, which will provide new homes for the elderly and release their homes for younger people.

A separate scheme has also been proposed for homes on land alongside the hotel in Undercliff Road West, while supermarket company Aldi has been given permission to demolish the old bus station opposite and build a new store.

It all adds up to a multi-million pound makeover for the area to regenerate it with new jobs and new residents.

A report from McCarthy & Stone submitted to Suffolk Coastal council said 67 per cent of people consulted in Felixstowe were in favour of the development.

The report said: “Out of the objections, one respondent commented that the loss of the hotel on the site would be an issue to the local people of Felixstowe - however, no further comments as a result of the consultation supported this.

“One respondent stated that the redevelopment could cause damage to surrounding local properties due to the potential damage to the cliff ground. They also commented that such damage would be costly to the neighbours of the site.”

It is planned to overcome the cliff stability concerns by building more retaining walls on the edge of the sloping site.

The Ordnance site would be used for 11 two-bed flats and 32 one-bed ones, plus a communal lounge, kitchenette, and laundrette. A house manager would be available during the day and there would be a 24-hour emergency service.

The company, which has an option to buy the site if planning permission is given, says 80pc of people who move into retirement apartments come from within a three-mile radius - and councillors will be hoping pensioners will be encouraged to move to smaller accommodation, freeing up vital family homes at the resort.

Will you be sad to see the Ordnance go? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail EveningStarLetters@eveningstar.co.uk

Did you know? The Ordnance takes its name from army quarters and stables that previously occupied the site and provided the men for a seafront gun emplacement further along the road?