Waveney MP Peter Aldous has written to the planning department at Waveney District Council (WDC) setting out his concerns about the impact of a proposed Tesco Express store in the Tramway Hotel in Pakefield.

Mr Aldous has written to Richard Amor, Principle Planner at WDC after receiving correspondence from Pakefield residents and businesses concerned about the potential negative consequences of a Tesco Express replacing the hotel. Aldous believes that the views of local people need to be taken in to account by the council.

Mr Aldous summarised these concerns as:

• The erosion of a vibrant local shopping area with many shops sourcing from local suppliers and any jobs created likely to be offset by jobs lost in existing shops and their supply chains.


• Increased traffic during daytime hours as evening pedestrian trade from Tramways shifts to foodstore trade by car.


• A cumulative effect of disincentives to visit the town centre when there is significant work to revitalise Lowestoft town centre including the Portas Pilot scheme.

Aldous has asked WDC to consider whether the existing use of the Tramway is a hotel rather than a public house. Under the provisions of the Town and Country Planning “General Permitted Development” Order 1995 planning permission is not required for a change of use from Class A4 (drinking establishments, including pubic houses) to A1 (shops including supermarkets), though it would be for a hotel.

Mr Aldous said:

“Whilst this is a decision for Waveney District Council I strongly believe that the voice of local residents and businesses must be heard and a full planning application should be submitted by Tesco to allow this.”