A bid to turn the historic Queens Head into purely residential has failed.

Babergh planning committee this morning refused an application by Claire Niewiarowski for a change of use from a pubic use to residential by eight votes to two,

Great Cornard councillor Peter Beer and his conservative councillor Margaret Maybury, went against the community's wishes and proposed and seconded respectively to vote through the officers recommendation of approval, but that vote was comprehensively lost 8-3.

The committee heard how nearly 60 people objected, along with Erwarton parish meeting, to the change of use, and believed the pub could be viable if run by a community group.

Two objections, including one from Shotley parish council, argued the Grade II listed pub was not viable and the best option was to find an alternative use for the building.

Christine Kyle spoke on behalf of Erwarton Meeting at the planning hearing, along with Steve Smith from the Save The Erwarton Queen group.

Mrs Kyle outlined the history of the pub, including the connection to Anne Boleyn, and how it had been largely successful before a dip before the current owners bought it and promised to use it as area rooms and art gallery.

She also told the committee that currently meetings were held in the 13th century St Mary's church, which had no facilities, and the Queen's Head would provide much needed community space as, well as a pub.

Mr Smith questioned the 12-month marketing exercise which was described as flawed, and 'a sham'.

He also outlined how the pub would be run by the community, with villagers investing both time and money into the project.

No representatives from the applicant were at the meeting.

Babergh councillor Derek Davis Ganges ward member, which covers Shotley and Erwarton, agreed the Save Erwarton Queen Group should be allowed the opportunity to take on the pub and prove its viability. He pointed out one off the flaws in the marketing was the owners' continued failure to talk with the community group and explore the potential for employment under new pub owners.

He also highlighted how popular Erwarton was with cyclists using the quiet lanes, and walkers coming along Erwarton foreshore.

The Queens Head owner has previously lost out in a bid for change of use, and also lost the subsequent appeal.

Watch Erwarton Queen's Head planning application hearing here

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