A BID to build a massive block of more than 400 student flats in the centre of Ipswich has been submitted to town chiefs, it emerged today.

A BID to build a massive block of more than 400 student flats in the centre of Ipswich has been submitted to town chiefs, it emerged today.

Developers hope to construct student halls on the site of the disused Peter's Ice Cream factory on the corner of Grimwade Street and Star Lane.

If given the go-ahead, the development would bring the total number of student flats in the pipeline for Ipswich to around 1,300.

The latest development would be up to four storeys in height and is planned to feature several commercial units as well as car parking and communal space.

Plans for the complex come on the back of successful applications for student halls elsewhere in the town.

Proposals to build close to 600 rooms on a large patch of land off Orwell Quay were rubberstamped in October while the thumbs up was given to designs for around 180 rooms on Duke Street last June.

Two further developments earmarked for St Margaret's Green were also given the green light by town planning chiefs last year.

The current economic situation and depressed housing market has led to an increase in applications for student housing as firms seek to construct developments they know there is demand for.

However not all have been successful.

Last month planning chiefs rejected proposals to build 371 student rooms on a site between Key Street and Star Lane.

Developers Wharfside Regeneration had previously been granted permission to build 53 affordable houses and an 81-bedroom hotel on the site but sought to change the scheme over fears the project would become a financial millstone because of the economic downturn.

The fresh application was turned down by the council's planning committee last month with a number of members feeling it was not suitable for the location.

Estimates suggest housing for around 2,750 students will be needed by 2015 as the town's university expands.

Will you welcome an influx of students to Ipswich? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk

Granted

43 rooms at the former coach depot building on St Margaret's Green

76 rooms on the site of the vacant garage on St Margaret's Green, formerly used by Kwik-Fit

186 rooms in eight-storey block of flats off Duke Street

589 rooms on the second phase of the ongoing development of UCS at Orwell Quay

Waiting on decision

406 rooms off Grimwade Street

Refused

371 rooms earmarked for second phase of Cranfield Mill site