SPS professional planners respond to planning applications every week where development threatens to harm our county’s wonderful built heritage.

We respond across a broad range of threats ranging from demolition, inappropriate redevelopment of historic buildings, or where development within their setting would cause harm.

Some example success stories

Image: Historic England

The dovecote, Thurlow Estate

application withdrawn

SPS objected to an application to convert the 17th century dovecote into a no.3 bed dwelling. We were concerned by the inadequate heritage assessment, intensive conversion, potential loss of historic fabric, scale of the proposed extension and impact upon the setting of the conservation area.

The dovecote is a rare example of this building type in Suffolk – one of only seven surviving timber-framed dovecotes in the county.  We were pleased that the application was withdrawn and hope that any amended scheme will be much more sympathetic to this important historic building.

Lowestoft warehouses

application significantly amended

SPS submitted a strong objection to plans to demolish two buildings within the North Lowestoft Conservation Area considered to be important remnants of the town’s industrial heritage. We support plans to bring this derelict site back into use, but this is a sensitive site, adjacent to grade II listed Fish House, one of the oldest surviving structures associated with the Lowestoft fishing industry.

We strongly believed that this was an opportunity to better reveal the historic past of the town and that the applicant’s aims could be achieved whilst safeguarding the significance of these buildings. SPS was very pleased to learn that significant amendments have now been made to the plans which will retain the warehouses. 

Sudbury shopfront signage

applications refused

SPS objected to two separate applications for internally illuminated signage in the centre of historic Sudbury, both on are listed buildings within the Sudbury Conservation Area.

Illumination in historic high streets needs the most careful control if the special character of the townscape is not to be eroded. SPS strongly believes that the conservative approach to advertising is essential if our historic built environment is to be protected. We were pleased that following refusal, alternative schemes came forward which we supported.

Languard Lodge, Felixstowe

saved from demolition

SPS objected to the proposed demolition of Landguard Lodge and Cottage, late nineteenth century buildings with an important military history in a prominent seafront location.

There was much local opposition to the proposal and we were pleased to learn that East Suffolk Council’s Strategic Planning Committee voted unanimously to confirm the Article 4(1) Direction removing the permitted development right of demolition.  The effect of this Direction is that the building cannot be demolished unless a planning application is made and permission granted.

Badley Hall conservation area and listed buildings

solar farm application refused

SPS objected to the solar farm proposals due to the harm that would result to the isolated Badley Church Green Conservation Area, and designated heritage assets including: St Mary’s Church (grade I), Badley Hall and barn (both grade II*), dovecote (grade II) and a designed landscaped.  A Cultural Heritage Report was submitted by the applicant responding to concerns raised by SPS, Historic England and the local authorities.  We carried out our own historical research and challenged the report.

SPS was pleased that the application was refused by Mid Suffolk District Council due to heritage concerns.  The decision has now been appealed and a public inquiry is set for late 2024.


But despite our efforts, some campaigns do not end well

We know that we can’t win ‘em all, but it is important to remember the fallen.

As a wise man once said, we have a duty to fight, not a right to win.

The Dower House at Nowton

demolished

SPS, Victorian Society and the Council for British Archaeology all strongly objected on both heritage and sustainability grounds to the proposals so it was very disappointing that the total demolition of this Victorian three storey Gothic house and its replacement with a new dwelling was approved.

The house in Nowton Park formed part of a group, including The Stables and The Lodge, all located within the Breckey Ley Parkland. The Council confirmed that the Dower House met the criteria to qualify as a Non-Designated Heritage Asset but did not value it highly enough to warrant refusal of the application.

To demolish a building as justification for developing a sustainable building is contrary to conservation philosophy and runs counter to best practice. Most built environment professionals now accept that retention and upgrading of a traditional building is a far more sustainable approach.

White Cottage, Framlingham

demolished

Permission for the total demolition and replacement had been sought by Framlingham College on more than one occasion and had always been refused. SPS had submitted strong letters of objection over many years setting out why this building should not be granted consent for demolition. It was prominently located within the conservation area, a simple late Georgian cottage, an increasingly rare regional survival of a timber framed, weatherboarded vernacular building.

SPS had raised concerns with the College and the Council to encourage a viable, conservative solution to be sought. We supported a 2019 consent for the sensitive scheme of repair and re-use. Sadly, the consented work was never carried out and the building deteriorated further. In 2022 we urged the local authority to take action within its powers to require the owner to deal with the poor state of the building. The response from the Council was simply to continue negotiations with the College which just led to a further application for its demolition.

SPS was extremely distressed that while waiting for the Council’s decision on the College’s latest application for demolition White Cottage was set on fire – an act of vandalism – and the shell subsequently demolished.

Conservative Club and Victoria Hall, Sudbury

Councillors ignore their officers advice and allow demolition

We were sad to report the loss of three locally listed buildings in the heart of the Sudbury Conservation Area. SPS, together with the council’s own specialist heritage advisors and the Sudbury Society all argued strongly that the case for demolition of the Victoria Hall and the Conservative Club and parts of one of Sudbury’s surviving silk mills had not been convincingly made.

The consensus of the consultees was that the buildings should be restored and brought back into use. However, Councillors chose to ignore their own planning officer’s recommendation and grant permission. They considered that new buildings would enhance the conservation area and this outweighed the case for preservation.

SPS finds this creative interpretation of the Planning Acts surprising.

Image: West Row Parish Council

Friday Street, West Row

West Suffolk planners allow demolition of humble heritage

We are disappointed that West Suffolk raised no objection to the demolition of this unlisted 19th century building. SPS objected to the application for demolition because this building is one of few remaining historic buildings situated in Friday Street, which is part of the historic settlement core of West Row. 

We argued that the building may meet the criteria for a non-designated heritage asset and its loss would be contrary to national and local policy. The application did not include the required heritage assessment and consequently, the significance of the building could not be adequately understood. Sadly West Suffolk Council did not object to the application and the building can now be demolished.