Ipswich car dealership application in Key Street rejected

Carzet Ltd submitted a retrospective application to the council in May asking permission to use 47 Key Street as a “car sales lot”, and to create a modular office building. 

This area of land, bordered by Fore Street, Star Lane, Slade Street and Key Street, has been the subject of a few planning applications in the past few years. 

In October last year, Mint Car Wash Ltd, which operates from Slade Street car park, was refused permission to erect a temporary canopy.

A similar application made in 2019 was rejected, as was a request to install an illuminated advertising display the following year. 

Carzet's premises would be accessed via Key Street, but would extend as far as Star Lane.

However, the council rejected this application on Friday.

A decision notice explained that the proposal failed to consider the impact it would have on the surrounding historic buildings, including the Jewish cemetery, which dates back to 1797.  

The historic cemetery was in use between 1797 and 1850. Image: Newsquest (Image: Archant)

The effect on the Jewish cemetery was also a cause of concern last year, with Rabbi Yeshaya Schlesinger, of the London-based Committee for the Preservation of Jewish Cemeteries in Europe registering his opposition to Mint Car Wash’s application. 

The council concluded: “No public benefits have been put forward by the applicant in support of the application. The use represents less than substantial harm and this harm is not outweighed by its public benefit.”