A Suffolk golf club’s hopes to keep shipping containers at its site have been quashed after plans were refused.

In July, Fynn Valley Golf Club, between Witnesham and Westerfield, outside Ipswich, submitted plans to East Suffolk Council, seeking to retain the three containers on its grounds and build three more units.

Of the existing units, two were used for storage, while one was for staff accommodation, offering a space for chefs to rest between their long shifts.

A further two storage sheds and another accommodation container would have been placed.

Under the plans, one existing storage unit would have been moved to a different part of the site and repurposed as a staff room or office.

Robert Cawley, who lodged the proposals, felt these containers were important for the running of the business.

In its decision notice, the authority paid particular attention to plans to keep staff accommodation on the site, which the authority said would result in a new residential development within the countryside.

Ben Woolnough, head of planning, building control and coastal management at East Suffolk Council, said this went against its policy on housing developments in the countryside.

The applicant also failed to submit relevant information on how it would mitigate possible disturbances brought on by more visitors accessing the site.

The applicant did not make use of pre-planning advice, Mr Woolbough said.

The report failed to comply with both an adopted development plan as well as national frameworks.