NEW flats are planned for the bottom of Woodbridge Road – but they are far from getting the go-ahead.Long-running DIY store Green's is set to close its doors for the last time next month and flat developers have their eyes on the site.

NEW flats are planned for the bottom of Woodbridge Road – but they are far from getting the council go-ahead.

Long-running DIY store Green's is set to close its doors for the last time next month and flat developers have their eyes on the site.

Ipswich Borough Council planning chief Mike Smith confirmed a planning application had been received for the site.

But he warned the proposed plans, which he described as being for "entry level" properties, are far from perfect.

He said: "A formal application has been made and it is now at the appraisal stage.

"The proposal is for blocks of flats, but we're not overly impressed with the scheme.

"The whole design has problems but we're testing it further and it may well go before committee next month."

Residents in the area have expressed concerns new flats will mean more competition for already scarce parking spots.

But Mr Smith said new government guidelines meant town centre locations were not required to provide full parking facilities.

He said: "Parking provision in the scheme is low, but we have to be aware of government regulations.

"The normal view is that parking is not as need in town centre locations. You can rely on public transport more than if you live further out.

"Obviously, there has got to be some provision, but perhaps not as much as in other areas."

Another potential stumbling block for would-be developers is the front of the site is not currently listed for residential development.

But Mr Smith said if councillors thought the scheme was right the land use would be changed to accommodate it.