Plans have been submitted for a new sushi bar and takeaway in an empty shop near Ipswich town centre.

A planning application for a change of use has been made to Ipswich Borough Council for 6 St Helen's Street, a vacant shop opposite Ipswich Regent Theatre.

It seeks a change of use and alterations to the 17th century timber-framed building, which is Grade II listed. 

Alterations include repainting the windows and shopfront to a matte black, installing wall panelling for a "more hygienic surface finish", installing bench seating, and changing white plaster walls inside into plywood.

The application is being made retrospectively as the applicant already started alterations to the site, not being aware of the building's historical importance.

Following a site visit from an Ipswich Borough Council officer, the works have been halted pending a listed building application.

The works were "carried out in good faith", according to the documents.

The new sushi bar would create one new full-time job and be open 10am to 12am every day.

As it is within the town centre cordon, no parking spaces will be created by the development, according to planning application documents.