The exciting proposal has been drawn up by Suffolk Coastal council – and plans have already been submitted for approval.

East Anglian Daily Times: Architectural practice Plaice Design's CGI showing how the cafe would look inside Picture: PLAICE DESIGN CO LTDArchitectural practice Plaice Design's CGI showing how the cafe would look inside Picture: PLAICE DESIGN CO LTD (Image: Plaice Design Co)

The new café will be built in Martello Park in the heart of Felixstowe South Seafront, between the promenade and Manor Terrace.

The design will be based around strong coastal themes and sympathetically balances its sensitive location while also being an iconic visual draw to the area.

The proposal was drawn up after an engagement event was held by Suffolk Coastal District Council, through Felixstowe Forward, in July to seek the views of local people about plans for Felixstowe’s future.

This gave the council an opportunity to present the proposed plan for the South Seafront to the local community and gain important and valuable feedback. The majority of the feedback received was positive and supportive.

East Anglian Daily Times: CGI image of how the new Beach Cafe at Martello Park will look Picture: PLAICE DESIGN CO LTDCGI image of how the new Beach Cafe at Martello Park will look Picture: PLAICE DESIGN CO LTD (Image: Plaice Design Co)

Geoff Holdcroft, cabinet member with responsibility for economic development, said: “This is one of those rare occasions where the council is the developer, and just like other developers, we need to go through the democratic planning process.

“A lot is happening in Felixstowe at the moment, and Suffolk Coastal has invested a lot in revitalising the town. We believe it is vital that we continue to build on this investment and create developments that benefit local people and visitors to the area.”

The proposed area for the development has been designated for a café since the first planning approval in 2009 and again in the implemented 2012 proposals. Although it was not part of the planning permission at the time, it formed a part of the masterplan for the housing developments and Martello Park.

The council has since created a substantial and very popular play area at Martello Park and invested in the long term maintenance of its historic Martello Tower which forms the centrepiece of the park.

East Anglian Daily Times: CGI of the cafe from the beach Picture: PLAICE DESIGN CO LTDCGI of the cafe from the beach Picture: PLAICE DESIGN CO LTD (Image: Plaice Design Co)

To view the planning application, visit the council’s planning portal and search for DC/18/3173/FUL.