A bid to convert some of the barns at the farm yard next to the Grade II* listed Erwarton Hall have been knocked back by Babergh's planning committee.

An application by JRH Veenbaas looked to convert, repair and extend existing farm buildings and create into five homes and garages and a new access on the site close to the hall and the Grade I listed Gatehouse, with links to Anne Boleyn,

A barn next to Erwarton Hall

William Wrinch, chair of Erwarton parish meeting, agreed something needs to be done with the site, but said it objected to the plans as they were concerned about the detrimental effect on the setting.

Ganges ward councillor Derek Davis expressed worries about detrimental effect to the Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB due to the glazing, lighting pollution and the harm to the nearby listed hall and gatehouse.

Fellow peninsula councillor Mary McLaren was among those concerned about the proximity of agricultural vehicles, the shared access with any new residents, especially children, and farm vehicles.

An agent for the main objectors, including Erwarton Hall owners Francis and Christine Kyle, argued the committee should accept the planning officers recommendation for refusal on grounds that

William Wrinch spoke on behalf of Erwarton Parish Meeting

Historic England and the AONB were among the objectors, which also included John Gummer (Lord Deben) and comedian and TV presenter Griff Rhys Jones, who has a home in Stutton.

However, former Erwarton Hall owner and developer argued that the development would breathe new life into the farm buildings and improve the outlook.

The agent for JRH Veenbaas said the glazing would mainly be internal and would not have a detrimental effect and expressed concerns that they felt that after pre-planning advice over a two year period that the recommendation was going to be more positive for them.

.