“We want to work with Unex to bring Queensbury Restoration forward”

19 Apr 2024

West Suffolk Council has said it continues to be ready to work with Unex Group to secure the restoration of Queensbury Lodge.

The grade II listed Queensbury Lodge site has stood derelict at one of the gateways into Newmarket for the past 40 years.

In August last year, the planning inspector gave outline planning consent for up to 123 homes to enable the restoration of Queensbury Lodge and stables.

The application went to appeal because Unex Group hadn’t provided information the council said it needed to decide the application.

Now Unex Group has had an application for costs against the council rejected by the planning inspectorate.

The decision not to award costs demonstrates that the council was acting reasonably in requesting this information.

While the consent given in August paves the way for restoration, before anything else can happen, Unex will need to gain detailed planning consent and listed building consent from the council.

Julie Baird, Director for Planning and Growth at West Suffolk Council, said: “Both the council and Unex Group would like to see the town benefit from new homes built on part of the site supporting the sustainable growth of this part of West Suffolk and helping the communities around Newmarket thrive. The fact that this new development would enable Queensbury Lodge and its stables to be lovingly restored back to its glory is a real bonus.”

“The planning decision last summer paves the way for progress. The next steps is for Unex Group is to submit a detailed planning application and apply for listed building consent and we’re keen that momentum is not lost in bringing this forward for the benefit of Newmarket.”

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