MORE than 50 jobs could be created in Stowmarket by ambitious riverside development – but the town council wants to stop it.Ten business units aimed at hi-tech companies are planned for Prentice Road in the town, providing a welcome boost to the Ipswich to Cambridge corridor.

MORE than 50 jobs could be created in Stowmarket by ambitious riverside development – but the town council wants to stop it.

Ten business units aimed at hi-tech companies are planned for Prentice Road in the town, providing a welcome boost to the Ipswich to Cambridge corridor.

The site of the proposed development, alongside the river Gipping, was formerly occupied by the town's Maltings but is currently an overgrown wilderness.

Despite the promise of new jobs and a contemporary building, the town council has called for the application to be thrown out.

Town clerk Malcolm Baker said: "The council recommended refusal because the building is somewhat out of keeping with the surrounding area.

"There was also concern about possible flooding because it's near the river, while the road is very narrow for vehicles to access it."

Jon Pattle, of Ipswich-based Poole & Pattle architects, said the design reflects the developer's wish for a "striking" and "modern" structure.

He added: "The units would be aimed at small businesses and those just starting out.

"Stowmarket is a place with good communication links. It's on the A14 road and this particular site is close to the railway station."

Four residential flats and 29 parking spaces would also be included in the project.

The three-storey structure would sit alongside the former Maltings building, which dates back to 1793. It closed down in the 1950s and has since been converted into a bar and nightclub.

The application will be determined by Mid Suffolk District Council within the next eight weeks.

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