Plans for Trimley St Martin 'essential' shop rejected

It was proposed in April last year that land adjacent to 146 Kirton Road, just a few doors down from the primary school, could become a corner shop selling wool and “essential goods”, including food.

A design and access statement prepared by the Felixstowe-based Robert Allerton Chartered Architects was submitted to East Suffolk Council. The statement explained that a shop employing one full-time and member of staff and two part-time workers would be open from 7am to 5pm.

Meanwhile, a “wool store” would also be open from 9am to 4pm. The statement explained that the intention was to “[relocate] an existing wool business that is already in the village, selling yarn, wool, handmade items, giftware, jewellery and other craft items”.

The statement continued “The intention is for local people to walk or cycle to the shop for their daily essentials and as such car parking is limited in favour of more bicycle parking and open space.”

The rejected business would have been just a short walking distance from Roselea Farm Shop. Image: Google Maps (Image: Google Maps)

The statement acknowledged that Roselea Farm Shop is already in operation just a short walking distance from the proposed business.

The statement argued that the two businesses were “mutually compatible” since the farm shop sold “mainly vegetable produce” and was therefore “of a different nature to the essential food services offered under this proposal”.

However, East Suffolk Council rejected these plans earlier this month. In a notice explaining its decision, the council said: “The development cannot be supported […] because there is already a facility selling essential food products within 1,000 metres of the site.

“The community are therefore already well served with respect to essential goods and the development could prejudice the long-term viability of the existing facility if the application were permitted.”