Ipswich Borough Council has approved plans to convert a vacant office building into residential flats. The decision was made at a Planning & Development Committee meeting on Wednesday 18th Spetember.
The big picture: Following yesterday's meeting, the Grade II-listed building at 25 Elm Street will be converted into three dwellings: a 5-bedroom ground-floor flat, a 2-bedroom flat, and a 4-bedroom first-floor flat.
Why it matters: The building was previously used as an office. Last November, the council denied initial plans to convert it into residential dwellings due to its historical interest. This time around, plans were approved.
Objections raised: Two residents raised objections following concerns about the noise impact from the nearby music and events venue, bin storage and wider development issues, loss of privacy, and lack of infrastructure for additional flats in the town centre, including parking.
Conditions for approval: Plans were approved based on the following conditions:
Mitigation measures for Suffolk Coast Recreational Avoidance Strategy
Secure cycle parking and privacy measures must be detailed before occupation
Schedule of repair works, including underpinning, required before occupancy
Looking ahead: Developers must meet conditions within specified timeframes, and residents may continue to voice concerns as the project progresses.
