Residents speak on plans for Ipswich Wherstead Road flats

It has been proposed that the derelict three-storey former office building just past the underpass, in Wherstead Road in Ipswich, could be converted into new homes.

Some have welcomed this news.

“I think it’s a great idea, as the current state of the plot is abysmal and could do with some investment and improvements,” said one resident, who asked not to be named.

“It’s one of the first few sights on Wherstead Road and doesn’t paint it in a great light at present.

“Change and development in and around Ipswich are important if we want to see the town thriving again.”

However, others have raised concerns.

The site of the former 1950s office building has been unused for 20 years. Image: Tom Cann (Image: Tom Cann)

Residents Paul Newby, left, and Tony, right, are among those who have raised concerns about the proposed flats. Image: Tom Cann (Image: Tom Cann)

Resident Louise Durrant said she was concerned about potential parking problems, especially given the loss of parking spaces due to the Bourne Park development. She added that traffic is also an issue in Wherstead Road, coming to a “standstill” during rush hours.

“Adding more traffic with building works and then cars added to the already problematic traffic situation in Wherstead Road is truly a joke, making a bad situation even worse,” she said.

Fellow resident Paul Newby, too echoed these concerns.

While the site has allocated a parking space to each flat, he said that the fact the new occupants’ vehicles will need to access their homes via Wherstead Road will add to the already heavy traffic.

He added that he was also worried the height of the building would raise issues for the properties such as his, which will be “directly in the shadow of the building”.

Matt Purnell, director of Tammie Homes Ltd, is the current owner of the site. Image: Tammie Homes Ltd (Image: Tammie Homes Ltd)

Matt Purnell, director of Tammie Homes Ltd, is the current owner of the site.

He explained that the roof extension had been designed to soften the appearance of the building, and that this section of the building will be set back to limit overlooking.

“The site has sat derelict for over 20 years. It’s a real eyesore,” he said. “Sites like this in Ipswich and the surrounding areas really need to be brought back into use.

“We are delighted with the support we have received in general from the surrounding areas, people seem to be very excited about the potential of cleaning up this derelict site, and I am happy to answer any questions or concerns people may have.”