Ipswich council to discuss Neptune Marina plans next week

Associated British Ports (ABP) submitted plans in July to remove 93 existing pontoons and replace them with 15 new ones at Neptune Marina. 

Additionally, ABP asked for permission to add a foul water treatment plant and two welfare buildings on either side of the marina - with toilets and showers for the users.

The whole project is set to cost £2million.

Ipswich Borough Council's planning committee is set to discuss these plans during a meeting next Wednesday. 

ABP's project is set to cost £2million (Image: Shikhar Talwar) In a pre-meeting report, it was sent that 22 residents wrote to the council objecting to the plans stating safety, historic impact, noise, lighting and impact on marine life as their issues. 

Two residents responded in support of the plans saying it improves the aesthetic quality of the marina and gives more space for heritage vessels to approach the waterfront. 

Additional, comments were also received by several organisations, which included the Environmental Agency, which after objecting to the plans in August worked with ABP to address its concerns and withdrew an objection in November. 

Ipswich Society has also previously written in support of these plans. 

Council officers say the plans will have a "positive impact" on the Waterfront. (Image: Newsquest) In the report, the officers wrote: "It is considered that the removal and partial replacement of pontoons, and the erection of the welfare buildings and associated infrastructure would have a positive impact on the Wet Dock Conservation Area and setting of the Waterfront and provide an improved recreational and leisure facility for Ipswich, whilst not resulting in unacceptable levels of harm to the amenity of local residents and users, transportation impact, existing ecological assets and air quality."

The report added that before the councillors make the decision, there are a lot of local planning policies and conditions that should be addressed and adhered to.

ABP has also recently asked several boat owners to relocate from the northern side of the marina to the opposite side of the Wet Dock for the winter period, for safety reasons.