Waterfront car park to remain for another year despite 'undesirable' status

Why it matters: The extension comes despite the council previously describing the car park as "not desirable" with "significant negative visual impact" on the waterfront area.

Ipswich Borough Council's planning and development committee will decide on an application for the St Peter's Dock Car Park, with officers recommending approval.

The details: In a pre-meeting report, officers expressed concerns about potential anti-social behaviour if the site is left empty.

"The continued use of the site as a car park is not desirable, and renewal of the existing arrangement even less so," the panel said.

They added: "The negative visual impact of the car park use is significant in this location and the deteriorating condition of the boundary wall (part of which had to be taken down recently because of health and safety hazards caused by loose brickwork)."

The background: Previously, Suffolk police reported that children as young as 12 were "urban exploring" in the nearby silo, causing police to issue warnings and consider prosecutions for repeat offenders.

Work on redevelopment plans for the area is not expected to begin until later this year, leaving the site potentially vulnerable if left unused.

What's next: Borough council leader Neil MacDonald recently stated that the council will be looking to introduce new plans for the derelict silo.

The bottom line: Despite acknowledging the car park's poor visual impact and undesirable nature, council officers believe keeping it operational is the safer option until redevelopment work can begin.