Threatening letter sent after Brandeston pub appeal lodged

Asked about the tone of the letter, Brandeston resident Janet Baxter said it was “a bit unnecessary”, adding: “It’s not that sort of village and I’m very surprised to see that, but I don’t think the owner realises what sort of hornet’s nest he has stirred up.

“I would love someone to buy it and get it going again as a pub and this current situation has led to a lot of bad feeling, but I wouldn’t have thought there were people in the village who were so vindictive to have written this letter.”

In February the council rejected the proposal for a change of use after it was deemed to be to the detriment and cultural well-being of the community.

The pub, originally constructed as The Queen’s Head in 1447, was destroyed by fire and rebuilt in the 19th Century.

A council spokesperson said the authority has received a formal letter from the Planning Inspectorate, setting the timetable for appeal against refusal for the change of use application.

They said the council must submit its statement of case by 26 July, and that interested parties had until the same date to submit comments.

The owner has been approached for comment.