Bury St Edmunds: Bar and restaurant proposal is given go-ahead

PLANS for a new bar and restaurant in Bury St Edmunds have been approved by councillors.

An application for an establishment in St Andrew’s Street South – near the junction with Robert Boby Way – was given the go-ahead by St Edmundsbury Borough Council’s development control committee.

Neighbours to the site had raised concerns, saying a bar and restaurant in this location could lead to noise, disturbance, anti-social behaviour, highways problems and odours.

The report by planning officers said: “The proposed development constitutes sustainable development within the town centre which would contribute to the night-time economy, enhance the town centre leisure offer and support the vitality and viability of the town centre.”

It added: “The proposed development would not have a significant adverse impact on neighbouring residential amenity, highway safety or traffic generation or raise any archaeological concerns.”

The building had been constructed as an office under previous planning permission, but the use was never implemented. The new establishment would add to the growing number of bars and restaurants in the town.

One of the latest venues to open was a J D Wetherspoon pub and restaurant at the historic Corn Exchange in Abbeygate Street.