New plans have been submitted to Mid Suffolk District Council to convert the long-vacant White Horse pub on Stone Street, Hadleigh, into three family homes. The proposal, submitted by Elite Planning on behalf of Mr Mark Lloyd, aims to create two four-bedroom homes and one three-bedroom home, each with garden space. A car park accommodating nine vehicles and a single garage is also included in the plans.

The White Horse, a 19th-century public house, holds deep roots in Hadleigh’s local history. Notably, it survived a German bombing raid in June 1940 and continued trading through the war years, standing as a symbol of resilience for the local community. It later became known as ‘The Donkey’ before closing its doors in 2002. Since then, the building has remained empty, despite a previous approval in 2021 to convert it into a single dwelling. The site was listed for sale in 2020 at £700,000.

While the proposed conversion marks a significant departure from the building’s original use, supporters argue that the plan strikes a necessary balance between preservation and progress. Elite Planning states that the development will help meet local housing demand, preserve the historic structure’s integrity, and make efficient use of a site that has lain dormant for over two decades.

Local heritage advocates are likely to scrutinise the proposal closely, given the building’s storied past and prominent position near Hadleigh Bowls Club. However, with no viable commercial use emerging in over 20 years, others in the community may view the proposal as a practical and respectful solution to bring the landmark back into meaningful use.

As the council prepares to review the application, the future of the White Horse once again takes centre stage – poised between the weight of its past and the promise of its potential.