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 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 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.
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