Plans which received 20 objections for a pub to build four houses, two bed and breakfast rooms, new toilets and alterations to the car park have been granted.

Babergh District Council approved plans for the Red Lion in East Bergholt to undergo these works.

In January, similar plans but with five houses rather than four were refused by the council, with a resubmission in February reducing the number of properties.

East Bergholt Parish Council objected to the plans, stating "no local housing need is evidenced and there is none to be met" and the proposals are "contrary to many neighbourhood plan policies".

Despite this, the council has granted the plans in accordance with the application particulars.

The development should be carried out in accordance with the documents submitted, and the development should begin within the next three years.

The storage building with the two bed and breakfast rooms shall only be used in conjunction with the pub and for no other purpose.

All four dwellings will also be suitable for older and less-abled-bodied residents, providing housing in East Bergholt for elderly people.

This was one of the reasons for support with the application, to provide smaller houses for elderly people in the village wishing to downsize.

Other reasons for support include the re-building of the public toilets and additional bed and breakfast rooms, adding additional revenue to the pub.