WORK to build more than 200 new homes on the site of the former BOCM Pauls plant on Ipswich Waterfront is due to get underway early next year.The controversial proposal - which attracted some opposition because of fears of traffic chaos - was approved by Ipswich council planners this week.

WORK to build more than 200 new homes on the site of the former BOCM Pauls plant on Ipswich Waterfront is due to get underway early next year.

The controversial proposal - which attracted some opposition because of fears of traffic chaos - was approved by Ipswich council planners this week.

Provisional planning permission was granted - with strict conditions about traffic work and a requirement that money is invested in new bus services in the area.

The conditions have eased the concerns of some of those concerned about the proposals for the new Custom House Square proposal, said council leader Liz Harsant.

“I was concerned about the impact on traffic but I have spoken to those on the development and planning committee and they were satisfied by the assurances given.

“They said this does look like a superb development. Our concern was always about the roads and the creation of a square over Key Street. That concern now appears to have been addressed so we must look forward to this,” she said.

Alistair Grills, who is agent for developers ESHA Homes, said it was expected that final agreement on the planning permission would be agreed over the next month, allowing clearance work at the site to begin.

During the clearance work there will be a partial archaeological dig on the site of a proposed underground car park - and the Jewish Burial Ground will be left intact as a feature of the new development.

Mr Grills said: “The hope would be that clearance work can take place at the end of the year and that construction work will start next year.

“The developers will try to ensure that disruption to traffic is kept to a minimum while work is under way.

“The developers are delighted that the application has been given planning permission and we are able to go ahead with preparing for this major development.”

Custom House Square:

It will have 211 flats in five new blocks ranging from three to 12 storeys high.

There will be retail units, workshops, and offices.

The development will include an underground multi-storey car park.

It will also include a craft market in the 1930s-built warehouse fronting Key Street.