Felixstowe town planners have thrown their weight behind a bid for the White Horse pub in Old Felixstowe to be listed as an Asset of Community Value (ACV)

An ACV would allow the community to identify the White Horse as an asset of importance to their community, and give campaigners time to bid on the premises if it goes on the market.

But an ACV is only of use if Punch decide to sell the building and it would allow a community group six months to make an offer to buy and save the White Horse.

Councillors Doreen Savage and Seamus Bennett immediately backed the request to support the ACV at a town planning meeting held today.

Cllr Savage said: "I hope we can fully support what has been done to save the WH. the proposal for what they want to put their is horrendous. We are very much behind retaining what is there, which is a beautiful building."

However Cllr Smith questioned its effectiveness and added: "I'm not against us supporting it (the ACV) but I'm very cynical about its worth. The only thing it will do is if the owners want to sell it then they have six months to buy it."

The planning committee agreed to write to East Suffolk saying Felixstowe town council reflects the strength of feeling in that area and the pub and stables is a much valued amenity to not just the existing community.

Consultation regarding the ACV will remain open until September 9 and its open to all using reference - DC/21/2318/FUL.

Town councillors have already recommended refusal for the application by Punch and not allow its demolition and change, but it dos not have the final say, which lays with East Suffolk's planning committee (south).

Nearly 550 people have signed a petition and more than 350 formal objections have been made against the application by Punch to East Suffolk, to demolish the pub building and rebuild with a convenience store, and first floor flats.

Campaigners argue the White Horse is a key community asset which is appropriate for the area and want it to remain as a pub.

Meanwhile, the Campaign for Pubs state that pubs play a vital role in establishing a community spirit and provide a source of information and assistance for residents, while also helping to reduce mental health issues related to loneliness and isolation.

Very much regarded as a local pub, rather than the more tourist focussed hostelries nearby, the White Horse has hosted festivals, including its popular Sausage Fest, music nights, private parties, wakes, and wedding events due to its location opposite the Grade 2-listed St Peter and Paul Church.

Tenants David and Amanda Fisher have demonstrated how keen they are to succeed. They provided takeaways during the Covid lockdown and only closed when pandemic guidelines required. (UP CLOSE with the new White Horse tenants)

The White Horse is also within the catchment area of the new housing developments at Ferry Road and Gulpher Road. Over 200 houses are being constructed in the initial development.

There has been a pub on this site since the 1700s and in this building since 1904. The outbuildings were formerly riding stables and the names of horses kept there are still inscribed on the walls.

Designed in the "arts and crafts" style by local architect Thomas Cotman for Messrs Cobbold & Co, it was constructed in 1904. The original drawings are held by the Suffolk Records Office.

In conclusion, the ACV application points out that the Suffolk Coastal Local Plan (2020) sets out to protect community facilities (SECTION 8.6) Its guidance is as follows: consult local community, consider if there is access to similar services, and is there demonstrably a community need.