Plans for eight flats in an Ipswich town centre building have been refused over "inadequate natural light" concerns.

The application to convert part of the ground floor at Giles Place in 31 Princes Street in Ipswich into eight apartments was received in January.

These would add to the 35 homes that are already set to be built there.

Along with the outline of the plans, details were submitted including proposed and existing floor plans, a refuse and cycle storage plan and a detailed daylight assessment.

Ipswich Borough Council refused the application on Monday, March 11.

The reason given was that due to the proposed layout and "restricted nature" of the building, there would be "inadequate natural light" in the rooms.

The council similarly refused plans for 12 additional flats in the building in December due to lack of natural light, and plans were then submitted to turn the upper floors of the building into four more flats.

This was then approved on March 1.

The building was formerly occupied by Direct Line Group.