11 holiday rooms at Pier Pavilion, North Parade, Southwold

What was proposed

The scheme would extend the pavilion, add a second floor, create 11 holiday units, improve insulation and windows, add a lift and remodel the forecourt.

“Parish Southwold Proposal Extension of existing Pier Pavilion to first floor and create a new second floor; Creation of 11 new lettable holiday rooms with ensuites and balconies on first and second floors; improvement of thermal performance by installing external insulation; Installation of new steel windows throughout; Provision of lift and internal alterations; Remodelling of the existing forecourt to improve approach and appearance.”

“The proposal seeks to convert and change the use of the first floor and to extend with an additional floor to provide 11 units of holiday lets. Internal and external works are proposed to accommodate the alterations. The proposal also includes the removal of parking spaces to the front of the pavilion to improve the appearance of the building on the approach from Pier Avenue.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The pavilion lies within Southwold, the neighbourhood plan area and a coastal change area, within the National Landscape and extended Conservation Area.

“The Southwold pavilion lies within the settlement boundary of Southwold and the Southwold Neighbourhood Plan Area. The site also falls within the Coastal Change Management Area.”

“The pavilion and pier fall within the National Landscape (former AONB) and Southwold extended Conservation Area and is classified as a building which makes a positive contribution to the Conservation Area. The Southwold Conservation Area appraisal describes the pier as such:”

Officer report

What consultees said

The Town Council raised wide-ranging concerns, while highways, drainage, heritage, fire, environmental protection, ecology and Natural England raised no objection or sought conditions or contributions.

“Concerns: • Southwold Pier and the promenade contribute to the town’s heritage and traditional seaside character. Any alterations or additions must demonstrate that they preserve or enhance these qualities, particularly where changes could detract from the heritage setting. • There is a lack of clarity on how the design respects local heritage, which may conflict with established policies requiring high-quality design and conservation- led approaches.”

“Summary In its current form, the application appears to raise concerns against key objectives and policies of both the Southwold Neighbourhood Plan and the Waveney Local Plan, particularly in the areas of design, landscape impact, heritage protection, parking, loss of a community facility, use as lettable rooms, and environmental resilience.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant said the building was rundown, much of the first floor was unused, and the scheme would improve its appearance and thermal performance.

What members discussed

Members supported removing the parking, improving the area and reusing the building; discussion included disabled parking and whether the proposed windows could change.

“The Senior Planner said there were already 16 disabled spaces in the car park. He thought the parking team would want to increase the number. He would speak to them and advise that additional disabled spaces would be desirable.”

“Councillor Pitchers liked the idea of removing the cars. Wasn’t sure about the windows though and asked if the windows were set in stone. The Senior Planner said these windows are what is proposed. The Heritage team says it is an enhancement.”

Minutes