The green light has been given for renovations to be carried out on a Grade II listed former opticians' in Ipswich town centre, which has planning permission to become a new home. 

Ipswich Borough Council gave permission last year to create a one-bedroom flat from the first and second floor of 22 Tacket Street, which was home to Kerseys Opticians until 2020. 

The building is considered historically significant, and numbers 22 to 26 in Tacket Street are Grade II listed. 

A heritage statement prepared by heritage consultant John Selby explained: “Whilst the conversion has been approved in principle, there are outstanding matters of detailed design which require listed building consent; hence this application.” 

The application form listed several of the renovations to be carried out.

These included replacing the finishes of walls and ceilings, replacing doors and making repairs to the front dormer “like for like, due to leaks from existing rotting timbers”.  

The statement continued: “The shop retains its front and rear doors, whilst the flat is accessed via a new stair with timber balustrading and a new door at first floor level.” 

It concluded: “These works are not harmful and, indeed are necessary to ensure the building is properly repaired.” 

Ipswich Borough Council approved the proposed renovations on Tuesday.