Ipswich's Victoria Nurseries plans discussed for third time

Ipswich Borough Council officers had previously called the plans "acceptable" ahead of the meeting with the applicants increasing the number of parking spaces from 30 to 35.

Officers of the council said the plans were acceptable in their latest report, and added it could be approved subject to no further objections by Suffolk Highways.

Couple Ian and Wendy May had been operating the garden centre in Kettlebaston Way since 1984 and decided to retire in 2022, with the site being set for redevelopment. 

They had nearly 40 years of service, supplying plants and Christmas trees to the town’s gardens.

Ian and Wendy May ran the nursery for 40 years (Image: Paul Geater)

Plans to demolish the nursery and build a care home were brought to the council last September. 

However many residents were displeased and commented saying not been enough care shown to the neighbourhood. 

A resident of Westerfield Road said: "The revised plan shows only a small number of additional car parking spaces which will do very little to prevent the ever-increasing car parking along Westerfield Road and other nearby neighbouring roads."

They also added that the building would restrict their access to the local green spaces. 

The council last refused this plan in March 2022, when it was deemed that applicant First Care Homes' proposal was "not appropriate to the character of the area".

The borough council found the design unacceptable due to the scale of the building and said there was inadequate parking provision. 

Following this, the applicants appealed the decision, but it was dismissed by the inspector last April - stating that the building itself was fine but there should be provision for 88 parking spaces. 

The property is based between Brettenham Crescent and Westerfield Road, and the inspector believes there would be at least 28 staff at once.

It was argued that some could park on-street could be done on Westerfield Road, but Brettenham Crescent was too narrow for the same.  

After this, First Care Homes introduced a new plan in August 2023 but made provisions for 35 parking spaces. 

The applicant has also suggested improving the local bus stop, and cycle infrastructure and contributing £11,500 to Suffolk Highways for a Traffic Regulation Order.

The council will give an outcome to the plans on Wednesday, April 24.