A specialist Eastern European supermarket could be created in a former Ipswich factory if borough planners give the go ahead to an application requesting that food can be sold from the site.

The group behind the proposal for part of the former Essex Furniture unit, in Star Lane, say they want to create a shop that will provide a mixture of wholesale bulk goods and day-to-day groceries.

Permission was granted in the 1980s for the warehouse to be converted to retail use, but this excluded the sale of food.

In a report on the application, planners have been told: “The proposed use seeks to provide both retail and wholesale provision, focusing on the specialist Eastern European market that is well established in the town.”

An example of the goods the supermarket would sell includes newspapers, drinks, grains and specialist meat and cheese.

The report adds: “The site lies in an opportunity area where the council continues to seek redevelopment to support the linkage between the town centre and the waterfront.

“However, there are no current proposals for redevelopment of the site and no current market demand for uptake of vacant units in this area.

“The current condition of the application building, and its prominent position adjacent to a road junction on the busy one way traffic system, mean that its reuse is desirable in order to bring about economic and environmental improvements to the area.”

It adds: “

A decision on the condition change is expected to be made by the start of August.

To view the application, or to have your say, visit www.ipswich.gov.uk