A MEETING will be held next month to discuss a new outline planning application for the Rainbow site in Gosford Road.The meeting, which the public are strongly advised to attend, will take place on Thursday May 8 at Hungate Hall and will discuss the proposed development that would see the demolition of the existing store and the erection of seven retail units and 14 residential flats, with an associated car park and ancillary works.

A MEETING will be held next month to discuss a new outline planning application for the Rainbow site in Gosford Road.

The meeting, which the public are strongly advised to attend, will take place on Thursday May 8 at Hungate Hall and will discuss the proposed development that would see the demolition of the existing store and the erection of seven retail units and 14 residential flats, with an associated car park and ancillary works.

The proposals are similar to those put forward in 2006, although the number of flats has been halved because they are single storey.

The plans for two storey flats in 2006 were turned down after residents complained the flats would overlook their houses.

Residents also said that the retail units would create extra traffic, but it remains to be seen whether the new plans will generate a similar controversy.

The latest proposal has been put forward by Woods Hardwick Planning Ltd, and a representative from the developers, Mr John Hargreaves, will be at the meeting to answer any questions.

The town council are strongly advising the attendance of those who will be affected by the proposed development, such as business owners and residents in the immediate area.

A town council representative said: “The Beccles Business Association and traders in the town all have a deep concern about what goes into the retail units in terms of their own businesses.

“There is also the issue of planning permission for the flats. The need for flats in Beccles is greatly reduced because of the new Peddars Lane and Maltings flats.

“The third strain is the effect on people who live in the immediate area. It is therefore greatly important that that the people have the chance to come along and question, and put their point of view across.”

The meeting will take place from 7pm to 8.30pm. Town councillors will also be on hand to answer questions.

The plans are available to view at the Town Hall from 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.