Caravan plans proposed in walled garden of former mental health institution St John’s House in Palgrave, near Diss

A developer is looking to put a holiday caravan site within the grounds of a former Suffolk mental health institution.

Mendlesham Homes Ltd is seeking permission from Mid Suffolk District Council to put eight caravans inside the listed crinkle-crankle walled garden of St John’s House in Lion Road, Palgrave, near Diss.

The former 49-bed hospital site has been vacant since 2021.

In a planning statement, the developer said: “The proposal is to provide a high-quality holiday destination in a peaceful and tranquil location. The destination is intended to be a rural retreat.

“It is intended to provide holiday accommodation at the site for 11 months of the year. This will ensure the scheme is viable and will enable the applicant to meet demand for holiday accommodation outside of the summer season.”

Due to only using the former garden space, the plans would have no impact on the listed house, stable or groom’s house, according to the developer.

“The development will provide economic and social benefits,” added the statement. “The tourist facility will provide additional income for village facilities in Palgrave, Wortham, Diss and further afield.

“As such, it will also provide local social benefits in terms of helping to sustain the viability of local services, thereby helping to safeguard local jobs.”

Each caravan would be provided with two parking spaces.