An office building in the centre of town which was once home to well-known Ipswich residents from the past could soon become a home again.  

The Grade II-listed Manor House building in St Margaret’s Green is currently used as commercial offices.  

However, an application has now been submitted to Ipswich Borough Council to convert the building into four one-bedroom homes. 

A planning statement prepared by the Ipswich-based KLH Architects said: “The Manor House is a significant building.

“Presently in office use, the building retains the appearance and character of a high-status dwelling when viewed externally.” 

The building has been home to several well-known Ipswich residents over the years. 

From 1762 to 1819, the infamous Margaret Catchpole lived and worked in the building as a servant to Elizabeth Cobbold. 

Catchpole is said to have been in love with the smuggler, William Laud, and ran away to meet him in London in her employer’s stolen carriage. She was sent to Ipswich prison before being transported to Australia, where she lived out the remainder of her days. 

Meanwhile, the Puritan lawyer Nathaniel Bacon lived in the building from 1642 – 1660. 

Bacon was an active Parliamentarian, and was elected MP for Ipswich in 1654. 

Blue plaques created by the Ipswich Society for both Bacon and Catchpole are displayed at the front of the building. 

The application form shows that the building currently has five parking spaces, all of which will be retained.  

It also has four cycle spaces, and the application proposes doubling this number to eight. 

A planning application prepared by Wilkinson planning consultants said that the building would be put to better use as residential housing than as offices. 

It said: “The social interaction by future owner / occupiers would help stimulate the town and local centres nearby.  

“The environmental aspects of the scheme are abundant and would enhance the high quality and character of the area.” 

It continued: “Socially, the proposal yields positive benefits through the creation of healthy and functionally sound residential units which are conducive for day-to-day living, with positive interaction within the immediate and surrounding areas.” 

Ipswich Borough Council has set an eight-week target date for a decision of March 7.