ONE of the most prominent buildings in the centre of Ipswich is likely to be demolished and replaced by a new development of shops and flats.

ONE of the most prominent buildings in the centre of Ipswich is likely to be demolished and replaced by a new development of shops and flats.

The former Kwik-Fit garage at St Margaret's Green has been empty for several years since the company moved to new premises in Ranelagh Road.

Now a planning application is due to be discussed tomorrow which would see the building replaced by a new development with shop or office units and 24 flats.

The new building would be between three and four storeys high and all the flats would have one or two bedrooms.

Architects KKM have produced plans for the building, which would not contain any open balconies overlooking the street because St Margaret's Green is one of the most polluted areas of the town because of the number of vehicles which stand stationery at the traffic lights.

Councillors will be given advice by planning officers on whether to approve the application, submitted by St Margaret's Green Property Ltd., at tomorrow's meeting but they are recommending that planning permission for the demolition of the existing redundant garage should only be given if they approve plans for a replacement building.

The proposed new building will be clad in wood with significant glass areas.

There would not be any amenity space with the flats, although the council's planning officers suggest that if planning permission is given the developers should be asked to contribute to more play facilities in the nearby Christchurch Park.

Should more flats be built at St Margaret's Green? Write to: Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.