Ipswich could be in line for yet another betting office if a proposal for a premises in Stoke Park Drive is given the go-ahead by borough planners.

The town already boasts more than 25 bookmakers and the proposed new site would see a current McColls shop, at 55-57 Stoke Park Drive, sub-divided so that a small unit would be created for a betting office.

The application for a change of use from retail to financial and professional services has been submitted by Coral Racing Limited.

Ipswich Borough Council leader, David Ellesmere, said he could not comment on individual planning applications.

But he added: “There have been calls to change planning rules so every change of use to a betting shop requires planning permission, and I would certainly support that.”

The area the company wants to create the new office in already comprises of a large Asda store.

The company has also said that the existing dental surgery, doctor’s surgery and pharmacy will be unaffected by the proposal.

And in the firm’s applications, borough planners have been told: “We suggest the proposal would positively contribute to the vitality and the viability of the centre by enhancing levels of footfall and adding to the mix of uses available to residents.

“The proposal fully complies with national and local adopted policies.”

It is expected that planners will have made a decision on the planning application by at least the beginning of May.

For more information about the application, please visit www.ipswich.gov.uk.