IPSWICH'S rapidly expanding housing and economic boom has today been hailed as "exciting" by a leading figure.The town is the fastest growing urban area in the east of England, with the number of homes being built each year set to jump from 600 to 800 over the next 24 months.

IPSWICH'S rapidly expanding housing and economic boom has today been hailed as "exciting" by a leading figure.

The town is the fastest growing urban area in the east of England, with the number of homes being built each year set to jump from 600 to 800 over the next 24 months.

The borough is poised to increase by a further 15,000 households in the next 15 years and a £15million bid for a university is also expected to be given the go-ahead soon.

Richard Atkins, Ipswich borough council's portfolio holder for economic development, said: "It is good to see confidence and investment in Ipswich and we are working closely with our partners in the private and public sectors.

"But the most exciting thing on the economic horizon is the very real prospect of a university campus and a newly built Suffolk College on and around the Waterfront.

"This will be a huge boost for the town and will also have a major impact on our cultural life."

The majority of the developments are being built on brownfield sites – in line with government targets – and the council said it is also meeting guidelines for affordable housing.

Mr Atkins said: "The good news for first-time buyers and all those who care about the environment is that the vast majority of these homes are being built on brownfield sites with a significant proportion of affordable properties."

Ipswich is also closely involved with Plinc!, an organisation of five urban centres in the east of England – Peterborough, Luton, Ipswich, Norwich and Colchester.

A council spokesman said: "Together, we represent a big economic grouping and pressure group. It is another example, like the Haven Gateway, of the partnerships we are forming to make Ipswich a better place."

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