A HERITAGE group has raised concerns over plans for a new pub in a landmark building in a west Suffolk town.

Pub chain JD Wetherspoon has applied to transform the Grade II-listed Corn Exchange in Bury St Edmunds into a pub and restaurant.

Members of The Bury Society have raised concerns over levels of noise and congestion which may be caused by the new venue.

Sarah Green, chairman of the group, submitted observations on the application for the �700,000 scheme to a meeting of Bury St Edmunds Town Council’s planing and licensing committee on Wednesday.

“The Corn Exchange is a very important listed building and it is crucial it is preserved and well maintained,” Mrs Green said in a statement.

JD Wetherspoon has applied to change the first floor of the public hall into a drinking establishment while the outside area of the building’s steps would be used by smokers.

The Bury Society has pledged to push strongly for a limit to noise potentially caused by patrons outside the venue, calling for well-trained staff to control customers.

The group also wants to see licensing hours restricted to midnight.

“The Society’s concerns have always been on the impact of increasing late-night drinking in the heart of the town centre especially on local residents and businesses,” Mrs Green added.

Town councillors objected to the scheme, on the grounds the pub was not appropriate to use the Corn Exchange for a pub and out of keeping with the ethos of Bury St Edmunds.