Three Ways pub in Cowlinge has planning appeal refused.

The planning inspectorate has turned down a pub’s application to create more rooms to provide bed and breakfast accommodation.

People in Cowlinge, near Haverhill, had provided support for The Three Ways’ application, but it was denied due to the “harm” it would cause to the area’s character.

According to the planning inspectorate assessment, the development could also pose a flood danger. West Suffolk Council accepted a proposal to erect a single-story building on an undeveloped block of land close to the bar on Queen Street in 2022.

The Three Ways pub in Cowlinge(Image: Google Maps)

In a planning statement made at the time, bar landlords Gert and Elmarie van Rooijen stated that the six new guestrooms would result in new work opportunities.

Several people expressed approval for the plan, with one saying it would be a “positive addition to the village.” However, planning inspectors at the district council claimed the proposal was “poor in design”. The applicant’s appeal has been dismissed by the planning inspectorate.

A study stated: “The proposed development, comprising a detached building with associated vehicular access point and large parking area would introduce a large amount of built form within the currently natural and green site.”

It adds that the building’s “excessive” footprint “would appear unbalanced and contrived” as a result.

“As such, the proposal would appear as a cramped and uncomfortable form of development, which would be at odds with the prevailing character of the area,” according to the study.

The inspectorate rated the property’s evacuation strategy as “insufficient” due to the potential of floods. According to the research, the risk to clients “would not be fully mitigated”.

While the inspectorate acknowledged the positives of the accommodation, it decided that they do not “outweigh” the harm identified.

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