Plans to build a seaside cafe have been rejected after a stalemate between the developers and landowner.

The proposal, by Peter Colby Commercials, would have seen the development of a single storey cafe, with a play area and public toilets, on open land next to the North Beach car park on Links Road, Lowestoft.

However, during East Suffolk Council’s planning committee meeting for the North on Tuesday, November 10, concerns were raised about a stalemate between developers and the landowner.

The land is owned by Lowestoft Town Council, who have opposed the development for almost two years, prompting Norman Brooks, councillor, to say: “No point debating this, we have debated it before.”

The application was presented to members last year, with members recommended to approve the plans subject to contaminated land and ecological surveys.

Planning Officer for East Suffolk Council Melanie Seabrook put forward the recommendation for refusal on the basis that the land in question is owned by Lowestoft Town Council and that developers had not carried out the required surveys.

She said: “The issues between the applicant and the landowner have continued which has brought us to this position today.

“We previously agreed that the principle was fine depending on the technical surveys carried out, the contaminated land and the ecological surveys.

“What the developers were proposing could have an impact on the wildlife area just north of the proposed site.

“The applicants don’t want to invest a significant amount of money in getting the surveys completed and submitted.

“Lowestoft Town Council have maintained their objection to the plans, they will not give consent and they won’t give a lease so we are at a loggerheads.

“Without any of these surveys I’m afraid we can’t consider the application any further.”

Councillors reacted with sadness at the news, believing the cafe development would have brought potential to the area.

Craig Rivett said: “It sounds like a great opportunity has been missed here but we must follow the recommendation.”

Chairman Paul Ashdown added: “This is a great pity for our town because it would have been a much used service.”

Plans for the development of the cafe at Links Road were unanimously rejected by all councillors.