Shops and flats plan for Stowmarket town centre retail unit

A Stowmarket town centre retail unit could be split into two shops with three flats above if plans are approved by Mid Suffolk District Council.

Mr D Porch has applied for consent to turn Grade II-listed 3 Tavern Street into two ground floor shops and three first floor flats, with a two-storey rear extension to create stairwell access to the flats.

The existing ground floor unit would be sub-divided to create two smaller units of 107sqm and 75.2sqm.

A supporting statement submitted to the council said: "From an economic aspect, the proposal would retain the existing retail floor area, thereby retaining jobs in the town and providing employment where workers would contribute to the local economy.

"The proposal also ensures the whole building has a suitable viable use, ensuring the proposal does not negatively affect the town centre through a dead/unused frontage.

"In addition, future occupiers of the proposed flats would all contribute to the local economy using the existing facilities and services available on their doorstep."