Two dwellings at 9 Short Brackland, Bury St Edmunds

“Ward: Eastgate Proposal: Prior approval application under Part 3 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015 - change of use from commercial, business and service (class E) to two dwellings (class C3)”

“The application seeks prior approval to change the use of an existing building to create two dwellings. The previous occupier of the building was a company known as “Relate” who utilised the building as an office for therapy services. As such, the LPA are content that the use falls within class E of the use classes order.”

“The application site sits on the edge of the Town Centre boundary within Bury St Edmunds. It comprises a two storey building and an associated yard area towards the rear. The site is contained within the housing settlement boundary for Bury St Edmunds as well as the Conservation Area. The building is not listed.”

“E/97/2670/P Regulation 4 Application - Continued use of house for offices and consulting rooms for Relate on a permanent basis Application Granted 28 October 1997”

“The building was granted a change of use to be used for marriage counselling purposes in 1987, but prior to this, was a residential dwelling. The proposal will result in the building being used for its original use in an area which is predominately residential. It is noted that the site backs onto units along St Johns Street, however these are retail units such as ProCook, Dance Crazy, Cash Converters, 77 Hair, a charity shop and Mark Ewin Estate Agents.”

“It is noted that Environmental Health have requested a noise impact assessment to identify the predominant sources of external noise, however noting the surrounding context of the site and its previous use as a residential dwelling, Officers do not consider this necessary. The submission of a planning statement is considered acceptable in this regard as this highlights surrounding uses and their opening hours.”

“A supporting statement was provided by the applicant on 13 October 2025 and it was confirmed in a response dated 13 October that this information was satisfactory and a condition relating to acoustic insultation has been recommended.”

“Contaminated Land and Air Quality No objections subject to conditions.”

“The following representations have been received as a result of a 21 day consultation and display of a site notice.”

“Bury St Edmunds Town Council Based on information received and subject to any Conservation Area and Article 4 issues Bury St Edmunds Town Council recommends approval.”

“In response to questions posed by Members of the Committee, the Senior Planning Officer explained that the application had been submitted following a decision having been made by the Council to convert the property in question back to residential use, to help meet the need to provide good quality temporary accommodation in Bury St Edmunds.”

“Councillor Marilyn Sayer referenced the recently launched ‘Plug in Suffolk Car Clubs’ which would allow residents to hire community all-electric vehicles by the hour. Several locations would be operated across the county, including at Bury St Edmunds and Newmarket. Councillor Sayer asked if Planning Officers were aware of the scheme and were mindful of it when considering planning applications in those locations.”

“Councillor Carol Bull proposed that the application be approved, as per the Officer recommendation. This was duly seconded by Councillor Sayer.”

“Upon being put to the vote and with the vote being unanimous, it was resolved that…”

“Construction and preparation works shall not take place outside the hours of 8am to 6pm Mondays to Fridays and between the hours of 8am to 1:30pm Saturdays and at no time on Sundays or Bank Holidays without the prior written consent of the Local Planning Authority. Bin storage The areas to be provided for the storage and presentation for collection/emptying of refuse and recycling bins as shown on Drawing No.”

“Unexpected contamination If, during development, contamination not previously identified is found to be present at the site then no further development (unless otherwise agreed in writing with the local planning authority) shall be carried out until the developer has submitted a remediation strategy to the local planning authority detailing how this unsuspected contamination shall be dealt with and obtained written approval from the local planning authority.”