A new Audi dealership is set to get the go-ahead on Ipswich’s Futura Park – the second prestige marque set to move to the site near the John Lewis/Waitrose stores.

Marriott Motor Group has applied to build the dealership in the 1.6 hectare site on Crane Boulevard.

It will be near the new Jaguar/Land Rover dealership for the Marshall Motor Group which was given planning permission last month.

The new application will be discussed by members of the borough council’s planning and development committee next Wednesday.

Officers are recommending it approves the application although it is technically in contravention of the planning guidelines for the site because of the number of jobs it would create.

The development will bring at least 70 jobs to the site. Of these 52 would transfer from the existing Audi dealership in Bath Street – and there could be further jobs in the future as some head office functions would be likely to move to the new site.

The council officers feel the design of the building would fit in with the area, particularly with the John Lewis/Waitrose store nearby.

Their report concludes: “It is considered that the development would, on balance, be acceptable having regards to the need to support sustainable development which includes the economic sustainability of Ipswich.”

The application will be decided at next Wednesday’s committee meeting.