Plans to demolish a snooker and entertainment club and build a block of flats would create a “monstrosity” in a Suffolk town, a councillor has warned.

Stowmarket Town Council met to discuss the proposals for the Riverside which would see a four and two-storey building constructed containing 28 flats.

The town council has voted to oppose the plans. Councillor Nigel Rozier said: “What we have in front of us is showing a view of Gipping Way and it really looks totally out of place. Every house in the area is going to be overlooked by this monstrosity. I really do not see how anyone can justify a four-storey building, it’s out of character with the street.”

Councillor David Whybrow said: “We have got to have consideration of the setting in terms of the conservation area and historic buildings. I do not believe this building represents this.”

He agreed with councillor Duncan MacPherson who said the plans for the four-storey side of the building should be changed to three-storey.

Mr Perry, the director of the club, said the proposals were in keeping with nearby Pickerel Court and the architect had been working with Mid Suffolk District Council for 15 months over the plans.

Mid Suffolk is expected to announce the final decision on the plans by the end of July.