Owner of former pub receives 'threatening' letter

The owner of a former Suffolk pub, who was told in May by council officials to restore it within the next 12 months, has posted on social media an image of a threatening letter

The owner of a former pub has reported receiving a threatening letter after lodging an appeal over a decision to refuse plans to convert it into a private home.

An image posted on social media has urged the owner of The Queen at Brandeston, near Framlingham, Suffolk, to open the pub "or get out".

Earlier this year East Suffolk Council said it had received reports of an "unauthorised change of use" at the premises and refused owner Mark Cunningham's application to convert it into a house.

In May, Mr Cunningham, was told by the council to restore it within the next 12 months after 250 objections to the application were received.

The Queen in Brandeston, Suffolk, closed in 2022 and the building changed hands

Asked about the tone of the letter, Brandeston resident Janet Baxter said it was "a bit unnecessary", adding: "It's not that sort of village and I'm very surprised to see that, but I don't think the owner realises what sort of hornet's nest he has stirred up.

"I would love someone to buy it and get it going again as a pub and this current situation has led to a lot of bad feeling, but I wouldn't have thought there were people in the village who were so vindictive to have written this letter."

In February the council rejected the proposal for a change of use after it was deemed to be to the detriment and cultural well-being of the community.

The pub, originally constructed as The Queen's Head in 1447, was destroyed by fire and rebuilt in the 19th Century.

A council spokesperson said the authority has received a formal letter from the Planning Inspectorate, setting the timetable for appeal against refusal for the change of use application.

They said the council must submit its statement of case by 26 July, and that interested parties had until the same date to submit comments.

The owner has been approached for comment.