Plans to turn a vacant mid Suffolk pub into a convenience store have been refused due to concerns over parking and a "severe impact" it would pose on the roads. 

Nishanthan Thangeswararajah submitted proposals to Mid Suffolk District Council in March to convert the former Crown Inn pub in Stowmarket into a convenience store. 

A planning statement said turning the pub into a shop would retain a "community facility" and be a "welcome benefit" for local residents.

East Anglian Daily Times: Concerns were raised regarding parkingConcerns were raised regarding parking (Image: Google Maps)

However, planners have refused the proposals due to parking concerns

Documents in the application suggested one parking bay would be created on-site, with most of the parking to be on street. 

An officers delegated report said the proposal would encourage short-term parking. 

It read: "It is, therefore, considered reasonable to assume that the current development proposal would encourage short term parking on the double yellow lines outside the site, in such a location where such parking would obstruct the free flow of traffic at the junction."

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Concerns were also raised on the impact it would on nearby roads. 

The report added: "As this junction is adjacent to a level crossing, the concern is that such informal parking has the potential to result in traffic congestion on the level crossing when in use. Such an impact is considered to result in a severe impact on the existing road network and highway safety."

The pub shut its doors during the midst of the Covid pandemic in November 2020.