Bury St Edmunds Post Office redevelopment and Moreton Hall Community Centre extensions win West Suffolk Council approval

Proposals for two prominent Bury St Edmunds sites were given the green light by West Suffolk Council on Wednesday.

Members of the development control committee voted to approve the redevelopment of 17-18 Cornhill – the former Post Office building – and extensions at Moreton Hall Community Centre.

In the first scheme the former Post Office would be redeveloped with 12 flats and two shops, while its historic facade would be retained and Market Thoroughfare widened.

The Post Office plans were discussed by the committee in November and voted for approval, subject to a section 106 agreement. This has now been signed, but in the meantime amendments were made for building control and cost reasons, which took the proposal back to the committee.

Cllr Ian Houlder, recommending approval, said the scheme would see the redevelopment of a site which had 'sadly been standing empty for many a year at the expense of the council and would give some needed housing in the town centre'.

"It will bring a little more vibrancy to the town once this Covid-19 crisis is over," added Cllr Houlder.

Members voted unanimously for approval.

Proposals for Moreton Hall Community Centre include single storey front and rear extensions along with reconfigured pedestrian walkways.

The scheme would add a library to the centre, provide storage for its post office and move the centre manager's office to the front of the building.

Councillor Trevor Beckwith, speaking as Moreton Hall ward member, said: "The community centre is 21 years old. It was achieved within a tight budget and compromises had to be made, particularly with the overall domensions. Further compromises were made when Tesco took over the nearby convenience store and shut the post office. The committee room was given up for conversion to allow the post office to continue its vital service.

"This application addresses some of the shortcomings of the current layout, notably improved storage for what is now a main post office.

"The addition of the library is also a major benefit for the estate."

Members voted unanimously to approve.