Former Halifax in Market Street, Beccles, set for new lease of life as The Old Tap bar after East Suffolk Council approves plans

A former town centre bank is set for a new lease of life as a bar after plans were approved by a council.

East Suffolk Council gave the green light to the proposals for the former Halifax in Market Street, Beccles, on Friday.

The grade II-listed building, which is currently vacant and dates back to the 18th century, will be reconfigured internally to create the bar spaces.

The new venue would be called The Old Tap according to signage designs submitted as part of the application.

Externally, there will be a new LED-lit sign mounted to the walls.

A delegated report said the plans are considered to ‘preserve the character and appeared’ of the building and its surrounding area and would not ‘adversely impact’ upon the amenity of neighbouring residents.

Applicants Cloe Nelson and Matthew Mills agreed to a condition which prevents the playing of music and use of amplified equipment in the premises, the report said.

A planning statement said the proposed operating hours would be 12pm to 11pm from Monday to Saturday and 12pm to 10pm on Sundays.

Beccles Town Council raised no objections to the proposals.

One public objection to the application was submitted and cited concerns of increased noise, bin storage, anti-social behaviour and the impact on the character of the area among other factors.

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Developers have three years to begin the project.