Two Ipswich car parks are to continue to serve as that purpose for the next three years after planning permission was granted.

Ipswich Borough Council approved plans for the continued use of Portman Road B car park as a long-stay car park on a three-year basis.

The car park, opposite Ipswich Town's stadium, currently provides 130 spaces for cars, 10 for motorcycles, 10 cycle spaces and five disability spaces.

The site is currently allocated for comprehensive redevelopment, but until the end of the three-year term, the car park shall continue in its current form.

Ipswich Star: Portman RoadPortman Road (Image: Charlotte Bond)

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The council stated that the site would "potentially lie dormant and at risk from vandalism and anti-social behaviour if left vacant".

Elm Street car park will also continue its use, serving as a short-stay car park following planning approval.

This site, opposite Suffolk Magistrates' Court, has also been allocated for comprehensive redevelopment, with the proposed future development of the site set to begin in 2026.

The council stated that this site would also be at risk of lying dormant and being vandalised if left vacant.

Ipswich Star: Elm Street Car Park, opposite Suffolk Magistrates' CourtElm Street Car Park, opposite Suffolk Magistrates' Court (Image: Google Maps)