Those behind the conversion of an Ipswich care home into support living for people with learning disabilities hope it can open by early 2025.

The plans were approved by Ipswich Borough Council last week.

Grosvenor Hill Social Impact Group made the application in September last year to convert a the vacant care home Woodbridge Road into a supported living unit. 

Grosvenor Hill, who specialises in social housing, suggested converting the building to 15 self-contained supported living units which the United Response charity will manage.

They hope the project can be completed in the next nine months. 

The head of development at United Response Mark Dyer,  said: “We are thrilled that we can move ahead with this exciting project.

"The new development will provide high-quality housing to promote well-being and independent living for those with learning and physical disabilities ensuring that the people supported there are at the heart of the Ipswich community.

The charity works with the community and local authorities to support adults and young people with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, autism, and mental health needs.

They say that the property's conversion and refurbishments will occur over the next nine months. 

The proposal comprised internal and external refurbishment, including replacing windows and doors and installing CCTV.

The ground floor would include a communal lounge and office, with a further office and staff bedroom at first-floor level.

Along with this, a parking space for 12 cars and 19 bicycles would be made at the front and the side of the building.

The developers aim to carry out this work and have those who need their supported care units move into the property in January 2025. 

This is dependent on the property meeting the conditions set by the council when they discussed its approval on April 3.

These conditions include electric vehicle charging points, protection of trees and plants, and storage for cycles, mobility aids and scooters.