Plans to build a 70-bed care home on the site of Victoria Nurseries in Ipswich are set to be discussed again and are set for approval.

The plans were originally set to be discussed on April 24, but following a holding objection by Suffolk Highways, the decision on the plans was put back. 

Suffolk County Council's highways committee had originally placed an objection in November 2023, stating saying the transport infrastructure in the area should be improved to be approved. 

However, now both the applicants First Care Homes and the highways team have reached an agreement for the site off Westerfield Road.

A pre-meeting report for Ipswich Borough Council's planning and development committee states: "Subject to no further objection from SCC Highways, officers can conclude that the development is acceptable."

The report also notes that the council has received additional comments from adult care services in regard to the care home. 

"Officers can conclude that there remains no clear additional evidence that could justify planning permission being refused due to lack of demand or need for the proposal," the report added. 

A Suffolk Highways spokesperson said it had its objection in place in April, when the last meeting took place, but teams "have been working with the developer and relevant consultants to address the issues raised within it".

The issues included the limited parking space, where 88 spaces were asked for earlier but only 35 provisions were made, along with charging points and links to public transport for the site, just off Westerfield Road.

The highway officials stated that there is suitable pre-commencement of work done regarding electric vehicle charging points as well as car and cycle parking spaces.

Ipswich Star: The couple retired from working at the nurseries after 40 years of serviceThe couple retired from working at the nurseries after 40 years of service (Image: Paul Geater)

This is the third time the plans are set to be discussed by the borough council, after being rejected previously on the grounds of lack of parking provisions and objections to the building's designs

The garden centre was allowed to be built once couple Ian and Wendy May decided to retire in 2022, after nearly 40 years of service

Since 1984 the pair had been supplying plants and Christmas trees to the town’s gardens that they grew in their nursery.