DEVELOPERS are today seeking to demolish two houses in the north west of Ipswich and build 35 apartments to address the area's housing shortage.An application has been handed into Ipswich Borough Council for the development at 377 and 379 Bramford Road, which has raised concerns from some existing residents.

DEVELOPERS are today seeking to demolish two houses in the north west of Ipswich and build 35 apartments to address the area's housing shortage.

An application has been handed into Ipswich Borough Council for the development at 377 and 379 Bramford Road, which has raised concerns from some existing residents.

SEH Developers hope to build parking access, vehicle access and a play area around the development.

The decision for the current planning application will be made over the next few months.

Ipswich Borough councillor Martin Cook says the council recognises the area's housing need but would only give the green light to proposals suitable for the community.

Mr Cook, a Westgate ward councillor, said: “Large areas of open space in the town like this are coming under pressure and people are aware there's a need for more housing.

“Some people on Bramford Road don't want the development. I understand they are concerned about the effect on their backyard but equally there's a lot of people who need new houses and a lot of people wanting to move into Ipswich.

“What the council wants to avoid is piecemeal development. I haven't seen the latest application in detail but would say I'd be looking for plans which have proper access on to Bramford Road.

“There was once talk about access being off Riverside Road but the council didn't think that was suitable as it's a narrow road and there are a lot of cars parked down it.

“I'd also want it to have appropriate community facilities, like the play area mentioned, as it's an area that's very poorly served by open space.

“And parking is an issue to - not only for new residents but for people who live there now.

“I'd say there are mixed views on this potential development. The saga has been going on for a number of years now with different developers. The two houses are very old and have huge gardens so there's a lot of untapped land.”

Last year the same developers revealed plans to build a major development on a three hectare site off between the railway embankment and Riverside Road.

Play areas, public spaces, off street parking and a pedestrian/cycle link to the river Gipping were also discussed last year.

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