A Bury St Edmunds community leader has said an iconic hotel becoming a single house would be "a shame" as plans have been submitted to a council. 

Proposals to transform The Northgate Hotel, at 13-14 Northgate Street and also known as Ounce House, into a residential dwelling were submitted to West Suffolk Council in June. 

The property was used as a bed and breakfast with nine rooms up until March 2023. 

After more than a year on the market, the hotel was purchased by a private buyer after being listed on Rightmove for £2,000,000.

The Northgate HotelThe Northgate Hotel (Image: Google maps)

Now, a proposal to change the use of the building has been received by the council. 

The hotel would be converted into a home, the property's original form when it was built in the Victorian era. 

However, Cliff Waterman, who represents Eastgate on West Suffolk Council, the ward where The Northgate is situated, said: "I think it's a shame it won't remain as an hotel.

"There's a chronic shortage of hotels in Bury St Edmunds, especially close to the town centre, and Ounce House was well respected.

"However, I understand that the economics of running a hotel are difficult at the moment, and it may be that the building is too small to operate profitably." 

He added: "It would make a spectacular residence, but I do wonder at the idea of such a large building becoming a single house, given the shortage of affordable housing in our town." 

Cllr Cliff WatermanCllr Cliff Waterman (Image: West Suffolk Council)

A planning statement before the council states benefits of the plan would include active use of an historic site that has been vacant for more than a year, a significant reduction in the building's occupancy, meaning less activity at the site, and the enhancement of biodiversity.

The plans are with West Suffolk Council for their consideration.