By David LennardA PROPOSAL to build five new shops in the centre of Halesworth has been approved by councillors.The new shops will be situated on land behind numbers 46 and 46A The Thoroughfare occupied by the Decorum pine furniture and gift shop and Sweeney's barber shop.

By David Lennard

A PROPOSAL to build five new shops in the centre of Halesworth has been approved by councillors.

The new shops will be situated on land behind numbers 46 and 46A The Thoroughfare occupied by the Decorum pine furniture and gift shop and Sweeney's barber shop.

A narrow entrance between the two buildings leads to several outbuildings that are set to be transformed into an attractive shopping area.

Southwold-based architect John Bennett said he had designed the project to be both welcoming and appealing.

He added some of the outbuildings would be renovated and others demolished to make way for the new shops.

North Suffolk businessman Tim Harrison, who is behind the scheme, said it was just the sort of scheme Halesworth needed.

“At present there are just outbuildings on the land, but we believe the new proposals will benefit the whole community,” he added.

“As well as providing new shops it will also give someone wanting to start a new business a base in the very heart of Halesworth.”

Patricia Flegg, who represents Halesworth on Waveney District Council, was delighted the project had been approved by members of its rural area development control committee.

“I proposed the approval for this scheme and I am delighted that other members backed me,” she said.

“It is an attractive scheme that will give a further boost to Halesworth as our rich variety of small shops continues to attract visitors.”

Waveney District Council planning officers praised the scheme when they recommended its approval to the councillors.

“The scheme offers a very attractive and innovative design solution to a town centre courtyard,” their report said.

“The design respects and compliments the surrounding buildings and enhances the conservation area, whilst also revitalising a very neglected part of the town centre.”

Halesworth has a wide variety of small independently-owned shops and businesses that have been praised by the town's MP, John Gummer.

david.lennard@eadt.co.uk