Plans refused for former Central Surgery site in Felixstowe

The application was for self-service jet washers, parking, and associated development on the former Central Surgery site at 201 Hamilton Road, Felixstowe.

However, East Suffolk Council planners rejected the proposal, describing it as "not a main town centre use."

The size of the development was also considered to represent an industrial use.

The location of the car wash on a "gateway, high status" piece of land was cited as appearing as an "incongruous industrial operation."

The plans received nine objections from the public.

However, in a cover letter with the plans, the applicant's agents Montagu Evans said the site had been vacant for ten years and was not contributing to the vitality of the town.

Meanwhile, the land had not been allocated for a specific use within planning policy.

"The proposed development will comprise a small scale, positive use of the site resulting in its development and job creation.

"The site is in the optimum location in the context of the proposed development. It is accessible by a range of transportation options and provides opportunities for linked trips with other uses within the town centre. 

"The proposal comprises sustainable economic development, given that it makes use of long term vacant, brownfield site and will enable its positive use.

"It will result in direct economic benefits by way of the creation of 3no. new positions.

"The job creation comprises a material consideration in the determination of the application."

The site has stood empty for a decade and was previously earmarked for a Wetherspoon pub.

The pub chain had been granted planning permission for a new two-storey building there in July 2020, but withdrew in August 2023, citing a "commercial decision taken by the company."

The pub was set to be part of a £145million investment by the chain, which would see 18 new pubs opening across the country.

The town's Central Surgery used to stand at the site, but was replaced by Grove Medical Centre, which opened in nearby Grove Road in 2014.

Following Wetherspoon's withdrawal, the land was advertised for sale through estate agents Savills with a list price of £375,000.

In a cover letter with the plans, the applicant's agents Montagu Evans said the "boarded up" land currently detracted from the visual appearance of its surroundings.

They added: "The proposed development will result in visual enhancements in addition to a positive use, an additional service facility within the town centre and economic benefits by way of job creation."