A CONTROVERSIAL plan to convert the Bramford Lane allotments into an area of public open space looks set to get the seal of approval this week.The five hectare site will be converted into a park complete with teen shelter, wildlife areas, a pond, children's play area and a sports practice area if Ipswich Borough Council's planning committee give it the go-ahead at their meeting tomorrow .

A CONTROVERSIAL plan to convert the Bramford Lane allotments into an area of public open space looks set to get the seal of approval this week.

The five hectare site will be converted into a park complete with teen shelter, wildlife areas, a pond, children's play area and a sports practice area if Ipswich Borough Council's planning committee give it the go-ahead at their meeting tomorrow .

The future of the allotment site has been a long-running issue between the council and local residents. It has been discussed by the planning committee twice before and been the subject of two public consultations.

Residents fear the teen shelter will attract drug-taking, vandalism and other anti-social behaviour.

However, in their report to the planning and development committee, the borough council's officers state: "The fears expressed are unlikely to materialise. The council has considerable experience of managing these amenties, including much larger parks.

"Indeed, the provision of much needed amenities are an investment which often reduces crime and anti-social behaviour."

Allotment holders have already been served their notice and planning officers at the council are recommending the application be approved - subject to a number of conditions.

They also wish to see conditions enforced which would ensure the streetlight on the park would be switched off no later than two hours after dusk or by 10pm, whichever is earlier.

Landscaping must also be carried out during the first available planting season after the park is opened.

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