Proposals have been revealed to convert a sheltered housing complex in east Ipswich into a block of 24 flats.

Earlswood Holdings (Colchester) Ltd has outlined its plans for Hanover House in Hanover Court, in Lacey Street off Woodbridge Road.

Residents living in Hanover Court were told to find new homes in 2021 after the building's owner said the property was set to close the following year.

Speaking last year, Alison Seymour, regional manager for retirement housing at Anchor Hanover, said: "Following a full and detailed assessment of all the options available, Anchor Hanover has announced that it is proposing to close Hanover Court, Ipswich.

"The review also considered the investment required at Hanover Court and the needs of current tenants as well as potential customers in the future."

The latest proposals for the building, which have been lodged with Ipswich Borough Council, say Earlswood Holdings is planning to convert the use of the building.

The developer said it had engaged in "positive and proactive pre-application discussions" with council officers prior to submitting its application.

In the application, Earlswood Holdings said: "The application site is situated within a central, urban and residential location close to Ipswich town centre and therefore the principle of such redevelopment is considered to be supported by the adopted local development plan.

"It is also important to note that the council’s pre-app response also raises no objection in this respect."

It continued: "It it is important to highlight that the sheltered housing use on the site has completely ceased and at present the site is vacant so technically no active use will be lost as a result of this proposal.

"This also demonstrates that such sheltered housing use is clearly surplus to requirements given this period of non-use and despite its historic past on the site."