Former stables plans criticised

CONTROVERSIAL proposals to convert rundown former stable buildings into homes and shops complex have been criticised by conservation officers.Plans have been drawn up by Suffolk-based developer Hopkins Homes to convert the stables - which once housed the Adnams delivery horses - and Childs foundry in Southwold into two houses, four apartments, a caf� and nine retail units.

CONTROVERSIAL proposals to convert rundown former stable buildings into homes and shops complex have been criticised by conservation officers.

Plans have been drawn up by Suffolk-based developer Hopkins Homes to convert the stables - which once housed the Adnams delivery horses - and Childs foundry in Southwold into two houses, four apartments, a caf� and nine retail units.

Earlier this month, about 40 people turned out for a meeting to discuss the scheme and Southwold Town Council voted to refuse the plans.

Now Waveney District Council's design and conservation officers have criticised the plans, saying that the designs are out of keeping with surrounding historic buildings.

The officers' report said: 'This proposal totally ignores the character of the existing buildings on both sites, which are almost exclusively mid-nineteenth century red brick buildings, and are modest and unpretentious.

The report described the plans as 'a confection of disorderly and misplaced architectural detailing.'

If the scheme is approved, it would see most of the old Child's foundry buildings demolished because they are not structurally sound. The site would then be redeveloped around a narrow walkway linking Mill Lane to Market Place.

A decision on the plans will be made by Waveney District Council in the spring.