Still no work on Suffolk seafront project after 3 years

Plans for a mix of homes and commercial premises on the former site of the art deco Cavendish Hotel in Felixstowe were approved in 2018, but as yet no development has taken place on the Sea Road land. 

The time period means the three-year deadline attached to planning permissions for work to begin has now expired. 

The art deco former Cavendish Hotel on Felixstowe seafront (Image: Archant)

In August 2021, the EADT reported how developer Ruby Homes (East Anglia) Ltd was preparing to start work on a six-storey development of 59 homes plus tourist-related uses such as a restaurant, shops or a café. 

The development on the 1.44-acre site would feature 48 flats - mostly one-bed and two-bed - and 11 three-bed homes. 

There would also be three commercial units at street-level below the flats, which would create around 30 jobs. 

Felixstowe town councillor Mike Deacon said he hoped the Cavendish Hotel plans would 'come to fruition' (Image: Archant)

However, Felixstowe town councillor Mike Deacon said while he could understand that times were tough due to the economic crisis, he was still hopeful the project would be completed. 

He said: “It would be nice if the area was tidied up and the plans they had for it I thought were quite acceptable and it would be nice to see if it came to fruition. 

“That end of town is being very sensibly developed and I think it would be an asset to the town.” 

Projects completed on the seafront include the new pier head and restoration of the beachside gardens, while the new £1.5m café The Kitchen opened at Martello Park in the spring. 

In October, building began on a new beach hut village and activity park in Sea Road which will feature 27 traditional-style beach huts and a single storey accessible hut and toilets. 

The activity park will include a revamped ‘Trim Trail’ with a climbing wall, concrete table tennis tables and petanque piste, as well as picnic benches, chess tables and an outdoor space for workouts.