Plans for a former flower shop in a Suffolk market town to be transformed into a home have been withdrawn after several community leaders raised concerns. 

Applicant Mr Len Betts submitted plans to Babergh District Council for the change of use of 54 High Street in Hadleigh on October 16. 

The plans would have seen the building, which is currently earmarked for commercial use, transformed into a home and a statement on behalf of Mr Betts said minimal alterations were needed for the conversion. 

However, the plans were met with criticism from councillors and organisations including Hadleigh Town Council who said they 'vehemently opposed' the plan due to it being an unsuitable use of the building and the possible impact on the pub next door due to noise complaints from potential tenants. 

Councillor Kathryn Grandon said: "We have one of the best independent High Streets in the country and inserting a domestic premises in between commercial buildings would be a loss of employment use, a loss of a commercial unit for which there is a need and will be detrimental to the surrounding commercial businesses." 

And Councillor Jane Carruthers said her concern was that, if permitted, the plan would set a future precedent. She also raised issues with lack of parking at the property.

The Hadleigh Society said: "The change of use, if permitted, would damage the economic vitality of the town centre, prejudice the viability of nearby businesses and adversely affect the special commercial trading character of that part of the Hadleigh Conservation Area."

A statement to Babergh District Council on behalf of the applicant said the property had been marketed for a year with 'little to no interest'. 

The plans were withdrawn on December 12.