Jo Marshall of G M Property had applied in January to East Suffolk Council to convert a commercial unit off Market Place in Bungay into a home.

The former premises of Bungay Printers had a floor area of 79 square metres over two floors and would have had a single and double bedroom.

The plans show a two bedroom home with adjacent bicycle storage (Image: MLD Architectural Design LTD)

However the proposal was rejected due to concerns it would have an unacceptable impact on nearby Bungay Castle, which dates back to the 12th century.

East Suffolk Council said: "There is insufficient evidence presented with this application, in the form of a robust Heritage Statement, to adequately assess the impacts of the proposed development on the setting and significance of the heritage asset of Bungay Castle.

"The proposed change of use from a printers to a two-bedroom flat would meet national minimum floorspace standards, but given the cramped and contrived layout, the position of the flat at the end of an alleyway with no outdoor amenity space, the proposal is not considered to be suitable for permanent occupancy."

Bungay Castle began to be built in 1100 by members of the Bigod family (Image: Supplied by Steve Honeywood)

Plans show an open-plan kitchen and living area with a single shower room and a single bedroom on the ground floor and a double bedroom on the first floor.

A bike storage space would have been provided and the main living space would have been served by a single, narrow window.

The former printworks is not a listed building, but is set within the Bungay Conservation Area and is nearby Bungay Castle which is a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

A flashback photo shows the former Bungay Printers signage (Image: Google Maps)

The plans received no objections from locals but Historic England said it "is concerned about the direct impact on the proposal on the archaeological remains associated with Bungay Castle".

Original planning documents had said: "The proposal has been carefully designed to respect the character and appearance of the Conservation Area.

"No demolition is proposed and the existing building envelope, scale, massing and roof profile will remain unchanged."

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