Council approve 40-homes in Old County Hall plans in Ipswich

Plans for the new flats were originally approved in January 2020, but only in April this year have conditions to renovate the Grade II* listed building's interior been met by developer David Harris. 

However, Mr Harris told the council that the development may be unviable for him. 

As a part of the original conditions, the developer would have to pay £234,181 - which could go to schools, open spaces and biodiversity projects - along with having to build three affordable housing units. 

Applicant Mr Harris said that parts of the development was unviable

It was requested that these contributions plus the creation of three affordable units be waived to make the scheme viable. 

However, the council officer said: "The proposal would contribute to bringing about a new use in a Grade II listed building which has been vacant for almost 20 years and has been on the Buildings at Risk Register since 2012."

Therefore, on balance, the officers believe that all costs, except for the Recreation Avoidance and Mitigation Strategy (RAMS) should be waived.

Mr Harris will only have to pay £4,875 which will aim to reduce the impact recreational developments have on natural habitats. 

This part of the plans was unanimously approved by the council. 

Cllr Jones wished for additional conditions on the plans (Image: Charlotte Bond)

During the meeting, Councillor Carole Jones said that Mr Harris has previously been "elusive" and asked if it would be possible to ensure that under the listed building consent Mr Harris carries out work on the listed section of the property. 

Under the current plans, the main listed building will be converted into 10 flats, while the extension to the rear will be knocked down for a further 30 homes.

Cllr Jones said: "We have waited so long for this application to come in. 

"But, I would not wish this applicant to go ahead with the demolition at the back, erect the new build there and then not start or complete the listed building elements.”

At the meeting, it was agreed Mr Harris would have to carry out work on the historic parts of the building before occupants could be allowed in. 

After this was added, the councillors approved the complete building consent unanimously as well. 

Mr Harris said: "I am delighted that the council has decided to pass this application through.

"We will continue working with the council's conservationists and officers to make sure we see this application through."

The site will feature 29 one-bed flats and 10 two-bed homes, with the former council chamber becoming a three-bed flat.

It would also have 18 parking spaces, and a heritage space would be opened within the building to ensure that the public can visit it on open days. 

This comes from a long drawn-out process of renovating this building since Suffolk County Council moved out in 2004.

The hall has been at risk since 2012

It has also been central to historical events previously (Image: PA)

After that, the building fell into despair with broken floors, ceilings and leaks, and was featured in the Victorian Society's 2012 list of Top Ten Endangered Buildings. 

The main building dates back to 1836 when it served as a jail and court, but extensions in 1906 allowed it to be used for council business too.

In 1936, Ipswich's County Hall became the centre of international attention when its court hosted the divorce proceedings of Wallis Simpson, which sparked the Abdication Crisis.