More planning matters

Velsheda (The Wine Rack). In 2005 consent for a 14 storey structure with 290 apartments and a theatre was granted. Several additional storeys, and changes to roof profile have been granted since, possibly adding up to 20 floors. Originally it was to be the home of the Red Rose Chain Theatre Company - now in Gippeswyk Hall - so why not another convenience store? The developer has now signed contracts for work to start in January 2018.

Grimwades. Pret-à-Manger intend a restaurant here with seating for 56 on the ground floor and 84 for on the first floor. No extra extraction ducts will be necessary because their operation is akin to a tea shop. The ground floor on Westgate Street will become a Cards Direct shop.

The Ipswich Local Plan. As soon as the Ipswich Local Plan 2011-2031 was adopted in February, so it is reviewed for a new plan which is formulated every five years. Consultation closed on October 30 to which the Society contributed. Our main points concerned housing, transport, pollution and preservation of the Historic Environment with concern for archaeology.

The Town Hall. For health and safety reasons it is proposed to place six hand rails on the steps; we feel that four would be sufficient.

St Clement Church. The Ipswich Historic Churches Trust wishes to install electrically operated bell hammers to the existing six bells in the tower.

Sugar Beet Factory, Sproughton. This is an outline application by Ipswich Borough Council, who bought the site using their ability to borrow money at low rates, to Babergh District Council within whose boundaries it sits. It was one of Babergh's major employment zones and they have previously refused permission of a largely residential application. This is for an ‘enterprise park' which will attract central government funding. Amongst the proposals for the 130 acre site are a car showroom, a local retail centre, restaurant-pubs, takeaways, and an eighty bed hotel. I will report in this vital application to the economic health of Ipswich when more details are available.

Mike Cook