Ipswich Council accepts Victoria Nurseries care homes plans

Ipswich Borough Council discussed plans submitted by First Care Homes to build homes on the grounds of the former Victoria Nurseries between Kettlebaston Way and Westerfield Road. 

Before this, the location was owned by couple Ian and Wendy May who decided to retire in 2022, after nearly 40 years of service. 

At Wednesday's planning meeting, councillors and residents argued the plans should be refused again with one describing the plan as "simplistic, unpleasing and unworthy of a planning process".

Resident Chris Burke told the meeting the plans were a "recipe for disaster".

He added that the lack of parking provisions at the site would mean that people would have to park on roads, especially during Ipswich Town matches which he thought may cause issues for emergency vehicles visiting houses in the area. 

This is the third time the plans were submitted to the council (Image: Archant)

This is the third time the care home proposal was submitted to the council.

It was last rejected in 2022 on the grounds of parking and its design. The inspector supported the council's decision on parking but rejected its objection to design.

According to the inspector, the place would require 88 parking spaces, however, the applicant argued that the staff would only take up 28 spaces at a time and work on shift. 

The applicant has increased parking provisions to 35 spaces, which was accepted by Suffolk Highways along with charging points and improved links to public transport for the site, just off Westerfield Road.

The highway officials stated that there is suitable pre-commencement of work done regarding electric vehicle charging points and car and cycle parking spaces.

The agent of the plan Douglas Bond told the council's planning committee: "We have worked cooperatively with the officers and the county highways to ensure that remaining highway matters are addressed.”

Cllr Lockington said: Simplistic, unpleasing and unworthy of a planning process (Image: Ipswich Borough Council)

Councillor Tim Lockington said that while the applicant argues that only 28 staff would work on a shift, there would be points when the shifts overlap and there are no visitor provisions. 

He added: "Ipswich is a young town, and does not necessarily need such a plan."

He also called the plans "simplistic, unpleasing and unworthy of a planning process".

However, in a pre-meeting report, council officers received additional comments from adult care services regarding the care home. 

"Officers can conclude that there remains no clear additional evidence that could justify planning permission being refused due to lack of demand or need for the proposal," the report added. 

Cllr Ian Fisher said that while he still objects to the design of the building, he believes that the applicant has done what was needed. 

"There are two bigger care homes in my own ward with less parking," he added.

He was similarly supported by Cllr Lankester and Cllr Jones.

The application was passed by seven votes to four.

The applicant will still need to meet conditions including providing travel provision, which has been put in by Suffolk County Council Highways, to ensure that people use public transport and reduce the traffic in the area.