Step lift and entrance at 49 Brightwell Close, Felixstowe

What was proposed

The application proposed a front step lift, a low-threshold entrance door, a landing and handrails to provide step-free access.

“Planning permission is sought for the installation of a step lift and associated access alterations at the front of 49 Brightwell Close, Felixstowe, including the replacement of an existing window with a low-threshold entrance door and the formation of a landing and handrails.”

Officer report

The site

The property is an end-terrace home in a residential area, with a sloping drive, garage, grassed front garden and retaining wall.

“49 Brightwell Close is an end-terrace dwelling located in a residential area in Felixstowe. The dwelling fronts Brightwell Close, which is an adopted highway, however, it sits on lower ground than the roadside. The dwelling benefits from an integral garage with an existing concrete drive sloping upwards to the street. The grassed front garden is located immediately adjacent and is enclosed by a retaining brick wall. 88”

“The surrounding area comprises similar dwellings with associated front gardens. The site lies within the settlement boundary of Felixstowe as defined by Policy SCLP3.3 of the East Suffolk Local Plan. There is no relevant planning history associated with the property that would materially affect the consideration of this proposal, nor are there any planning constraints which affect the site.”

Officer report

The officers’ view

The proposal was considered acceptable because it would improve accessibility without harming the character of the area, neighbours or highway safety.

“The proposal seeks permission for the installation of a step lift and associated alterations to improve accessibility to an existing residential property.”

“The development would not result in harm to the character of the area, neighbouring residential amenity, or highway safety. The concerns raised in the third party representation have been carefully considered but do not demonstrate a planning harm that would justify refusal.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The town council recommended approval, while the highways authority raised no objection.

“Consultee Date consulted Date reply received Felixstowe Town Council 4 December 2025 17 December 2025 Summary of comments: Committee recommended APPROVAL”

“Consultee Date consulted Date reply received SCC Highways Department 6 January 2026 13 January 2026 Summary of comments: No Objection.”

Officer report

A parking objection

One objection raised concerns that reduced frontage parking could increase on-street parking and create highway safety or obstruction problems.

“One letter of objection has been received.”

“The objection raises concerns regarding parking pressures within Brightwell Close. The representation states that the frontage of the property is currently used for vehicle parking and that the proposed lift installation would reduce the space available for parking. It is suggested that this could result in additional on-street parking within the cul-de-sac and potentially create highway safety issues or obstruction for other residents.”

Officer report

Who spoke

An Assistant Planner gave a presentation explaining the proposal and showing plans, photographs and the site.

Members’ consideration

Members asked no questions and there was no debate.

“There were no questions from Members and no debate.”

Minutes

The vote

Councillor Bennett proposed approval, Councillor Hedgley seconded it, and the application was approved unanimously.

“On the proposal of Councillor Bennett, seconded by Councillor Hedgley it was unanimously…”

“That the application be approved subject to conditions below.”

Minutes

The decision

Planning permission was granted subject to conditions requiring the works to start within three years and follow the approved plans.

“The development hereby permitted shall be begun within a period of three years beginning with the date of this permission.”

“The development hereby permitted shall be completed in all respects strictly in accordance with the following approved plan for which permission is hereby granted, or which are subsequently submitted to and approved by the Local Planning Authority and in compliance with any conditions imposed by the Local Planning Authority:”

Minutes