East Suffolk Council to discuss plans to build 58 new retirement apartments at Royal British Legion site, in Felixstowe

Plans to turn a former Royal British Legion site into 58 new retirement apartments are set to be discussed by councillors.

East Suffolk councillors will discuss the plans submitted by Churchill Retirement Living to build the new apartments in 39 Mill Lane, Felixstowe, on Tuesday.

The site hosted the Royal British Legion clubhouse building until 2019 when it was demolished.

A statement submitted on behalf of the company said offering older people a better choice of accommodation would help them live independently for longer, feel more connected to their communities, and reduce costs to the social care and health systems.

It estimated the development could save the NHS as much as £264,000 per year as well as generate £449,000 in spending in local shops and services.

To purchase one of these apartments, buyers would need to be aged 60 or over with a spouse or partner of at least 55-years-old.

The development received some local pushback, however, with objections submitted by Felixstowe Town Council as well as residents — in total 15 letters were received, some of them submitted by the same person.

The main concerns include the number of parking spaces, the increase in traffic, and a history of previous accidents.

The county council's highways department has not objected to the proposals.

Planning officers concluded any effects on the surrounding area were either minor or mitigated by planning conditions and have recommended the plans for approval.