Plans have been submitted to change the use of a warehouse that has been home to a family business for nearly a century. 

Ipswich Borough Council has received plans to change the use of the unit at 7 Bermuda Road in Ipswich to include a variety of uses.

Currently, the unit is home to the Bed Factory and has planning permission for general industrial use, known as B2.

The application wishes to change the unit uses to include classes B2, B8 and E.

B8 is for storage and distribution, including warehousing and open air storage, and Class E (G) is for light industrial.

The Bed Factory, who currently operate from the building, is set to close at the end of the month after nearly 100 years.

Previously Barnes of Ipswich Ltd, the business has seen four generations of the Barnes family run the company, with current managing director Chloe Last deciding now to close the company to allow her to pursue a career in a different direction.

The planning application has been filed as a formality, so that the premises has more available options for potential buyers said the business.

At the time announcing the closure, Chloe Last, the fourth generation of the family to run the business, said: "Retail has changed a lot over the years, especially with the rise of internet shopping.

"So with retail in decline now is the perfect time for the company to come to the end of its era."

Savills, the estate agents in charge of the sale, have listed the building for sale, with a price tag of £1,650,000.

The building is 14,017 sq ft, and is located as part of Ransomes Europark, occupying a prominent position on the corner of Bermuda Road.