Work to clear the former Tooks Bakery site on Old Norwich Road is under way – and if the borough council is given the go-ahead, homes could be built there from early next year.

Ipswich Star: Former bakery site, Old Norwich Road, Ipswich. It is now being turned into a 45-home development with planning permission set to be submitted this summer after executive approved it.Former bakery site, Old Norwich Road, Ipswich. It is now being turned into a 45-home development with planning permission set to be submitted this summer after executive approved it.

Ipswich Borough Council hopes to build 60 houses and flats on the site next year, but cannot begin building work until they get planning permission.

“We have been undertaking preparatory ground clearance work on the site ahead of submitting a planning application by the end of the month, a council spokesman said.

“We are seeking approval to build 60 houses and flats but cannot yet confirm the exact tenure mix of the scheme. If permission is granted by the planning committee, the council will begin a tendering process with the building work likely to commence early next year.”

The Tooks Bakery factory was leased to Associated British Foods back in 1984.

Ipswich Star: Former bakery site, Old Norwich Road, Ipswich. It is now being turned into a 45-home development with planning permission set to be submitted this summer after executive approved it.Former bakery site, Old Norwich Road, Ipswich. It is now being turned into a 45-home development with planning permission set to be submitted this summer after executive approved it.

But it closed in 2001, before being demolished in 2008. If planning permission is granted, an expected timetable of work could begin in March 2017 – with a completion date in early 2018.

To view a full list of applications, visit ipswich.gov.uk/services/planning-and-building