CONSULTANTS have earmarked Ipswich as a potential site for thousands of more homes. The study - by private consultancy firm Arup - was published yesterday by the East of England Regional Assembly (EERA) when its planning panel met in Bury St Edmunds.

CONSULTANTS have earmarked Ipswich as a potential site for thousands of more homes.

The study - by private consultancy firm Arup - was published yesterday by the East of England Regional Assembly (EERA) when its planning panel met in Bury St Edmunds.

Based on expected housing needs in the lead up to 2031, the report cites Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds and Colchester as “key centres with the potential to accommodate regional scale growth”.

The report states that those areas highlighted for regional scale growth could see single developments which reach or exceed 20,000 homes.

It is understood the homes mentioned in the report are over and above the 123,400 already planned for Essex and 58,000 for Suffolk in the lead up to 2021, of which 8,000 are for Bury and 15,400 for Ipswich.

Richard Atkins, cabinet member for planning on Ipswich Borough Council, said: “We don't know where we would put 20,000 homes because the boundary is very tight and we have been growing beyond the amount required in the last few years.

“It is not that we are opposed to growth but we are running out of space.”

EERA planning panel chairman Derrick Ashley said: “I want to stress that what has been published is a list of potential locations for new development and it does not mean that the assembly, or local authorities, are supportive of the study's proposals.

Future proposals for the region will be put out to public consultation later this year.