RESIDENTS living near a derelict garage which developers want to replace with a four-storey block of flats and shops have today raised concerns over the proposals.
RESIDENTS living near a derelict garage which developers want to replace with a four-storey block of flats and shops have today raised concerns over the proposals.
As revealed in The Evening Star yesterday, Gracemore Homes Ltd have submitted plans to demolish the empty and dilapidated garage which is sandwiched between the Milestone pub and the Caribbean Club in Woodbridge Road.
In its place, the company has applied to construct 14 flats which would be situated above a shop or office premises.
However, those living in part of Cobbold Street believe their privacy will be affected by the development which would overlook their gardens.
Cobbold Street resident Beatrice Ewers said: “I have written a letter to the council to say I don't agree with it.
“I don't mind something being built there but not something that big.
“People will be able to see in to our gardens and it could also block out sunlight.”
Her son, Anthony Ewers added: “What is there at the moment doesn't look good, but if they build something which blocks out sunlight and invades our privacy, that isn't good either.
“The height of what's there at the moment is ok, but it looks terrible. It should be taken down and replaced.”
Nearby neighbour Robert Stephenson said the proposals were not a good idea.
He said: “Four storeys will overlook some of the houses in the street.
“I don't know who would want to live there anyway, with the pub one side and the Caribbean Club on the other.”
A report which will go before an Ipswich Borough Council planning committee will recommend the application is rejected because it is too close to houses in Cobbold Street and the building's design is “crude and inelegant”.
Gracemore Homes Ltd said the design would be contemporary but would feature a traditional pitched roof. The flats would be built around a courtyard with column-type structures at the front and back.
Should the application be granted? If not, what else should be built? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send us an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk
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