New plans for Chambers bus depot in Bures St Mary submitted

Babergh District Council approved plans to transform the Chambers bus depot in Bures St Mary into 10 homes and a convenience store in 2022. 

However, new proposals for 14 homes and a smaller commercial unit have been put forward. 

Previous plans for the site were approved in 2022 (Image: Google Maps)

Rosper Estates Ltd is seeking permission to build a mix of houses and flats, as well as three chalet bungalows. 

Planning documents show there would two flats, a one-bedroom house, three two-bedroom properties, as well as five properties containing three bedrooms.

Previous plans for 10 homes on the Church Square site include one five-bedroom property and two four beds. 

The plans given the go-ahead in 2022 also cited provisions for a 421sqm "express" style convenience store, which would create approximately 15-20 jobs. 

However, these plans have been scaled back as part of the new proposals. 

Documents show a 47sqm commercial unit would be created, and could suit a range of uses such as a café, shop or office. 

A planning statement said: "As part of this initial strategy phase, approaches were received via a local land agent from two convenience store providers who were keen to enter into a lease to operate from the site.

"Unfortunately, during the course of the previous two years, this interest has rescinded due to a changing business model by the prospective tenant and national economic factors. 

"On this basis, the design was changed to reduce the extent of commercial floorspace."

An estimated two to four jobs would be created for the commercial unit.

Thirty-two car parking spaces have been earmarked for the site. 

Concerns had previously been raised regarding traffic safety and the loss of on-street parking.