Plans to create 26 homes in Hawke Road in Ipswich have been submitted to the council. 

The application proposes building 20 houses and six flats on land in Hawke Road where the Diesco garages used to be. 

Four of the flats would have one bedroom and be large enough for two people. Another two will have two bedrooms, with one of these being accessible for wheelchair users. 

Nine of the houses will have two bedrooms. Seven will have three bedrooms, and the final four will have four bedrooms. 

A fully-equipped children’s play area will also be created. 

Ipswich Star: A plan for the proposed children's play area. Credit: Barefoot & GillesA plan for the proposed children's play area. Credit: Barefoot & Gilles (Image: Barefoot & Gilles)

The design and access statement prepared by the Ipswich-based architects Barefoot & Gilles showed that the play area will have a ‘toddler zone’, a junior zone for young children, an active sport zone, a climbing area, and benches for seating. 

A planning statement also prepared by Barefoot & Gilles confirmed that 48 car spaces will be provided for residents, with a further four for visitors. A space allocated to the wheelchair accessible flat will be clearly allocated, as will the spaces for the other homes.

Each space will be provided with electric vehicle charging points, as well as secure cycle storage for all residents.  

Ipswich Star: The proposed development will create 20 houses and six flats. All of these will be allocated as affordable housing. Credit: Barefoot & GillesThe proposed development will create 20 houses and six flats. All of these will be allocated as affordable housing. Credit: Barefoot & Gilles (Image: Barefoot & Gilles)

This application has been submitted by Handford Homes, Ipswich Borough Council’s housing company. The planning statement explained that this development has been proposed in response to the housing crisis. 

It said: “In response to local housing need, Ipswich Borough Council has tasked Handford Homes with a development programme which will deliver in the near future a total of 246 homes at Ravenswood and Bibb Way, having already completed 60 homes off the Norwich Road and a further 18 across 4 smaller sites in the Borough which add up to a further 40 units.  

“The site to which this application relates, together with a site at 114 Fore Hamlet is scheduled to continue this programme into 2024 and beyond.” 

An affordable housing statement confirmed that 100% of the homes proposed will be affordable housing. 

Ipswich Borough Council has set an eight-week target date for a decision of February 1.