New plans for stables and foundry

DERELICT buildings which were once home to the horses used to deliver barrels of Adnams beer around Southwold could soon be transformed into a complex of apartments and shops.

Proposals have been drawn up to convert the former stables and the old Child's foundry site, off Mill Lane, into two houses, four apartments, a caf� and nine retail units.

Suffolk-based developer Hopkins Homes has submitted plans to Waveney District Council for the scheme, which would see most of the old foundry buildings demolished because they are not structurally sound.

The foundry in Child's Yard, behind the Market Place, was set up by Edmund Child, who was born in Yarmouth, in the early 1800s.

The Adnams brewery later bought part of the site and converted the buildings into stables for their delivery horses, which were used to transport beer around the seaside town until September 2006.

When the company moved its distribution to a specially-built �5m centre two miles away in Reydon, it was decided that it would be too far for their two horses - Percherons named Sam and Monarch - to walk to make deliveries.

If the plans are approved for the site, which is within the town's conservation area, the old stables will be converted into one apartment, two houses, a caf� and three shops set around an open space.

The old foundry site, which is located just behind the stables, would be turned into six shops and three residential apartments with new pedestrian access off Mill Lane.

A statement with the plans, which have been drawn up by Hopkins and Moore, said: 'New and existing residents will benefit from the significant improvement to the local landscape.

'The unsightly outlook from neighbouring boundaries will be removed along with the dangers associated with dereliction. The residents will be located near to the existing town centre amenities and services.'

A final decision on the proposals will be made by Waveney District Council in the new year.