Planning application for The Railway Hotel in Ipswich

An application was submitted to turn The Railway Hotel, a former Cobbold pub in Foxhall Road in Ipswich, into flats in December 2023. 

The plans to convert the Ipswich pub have now been revealed in the planning application. 

The application, which has been submitted by Mario Santoro, proposes building a two side extensions, comprising of a garage, bin store, and ancillary storage. 

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It also requests the change of use of the first floor of the pub into two residential flats.

The plans propose changing the current bar area into sitting areas for people to relax as well as transforming the current toilet block into an ensuite bedroom with a dining space.

The current outbuilding will also be turned into a parking area with storage.

Upstairs, there will also be two more bedrooms and dining rooms to provide for separate flats.

The plans show that the garden area and bin storage will be maintained and the boundaries of the pub will stay the same.

READ MORE: Ipswich Business News

Francis Rossi, left, and John Edwards, right, of Status Quo, playing the Railway pub before it closed its doors in 2013 (Image: Archant)

The Railway Hotel dates to 1877 and made a name for itself over the years as it became a go-to destination for live music.

In the 2010s, the pub hosted big-name rock bands such as Status Quo and Big Country.

However, it was listed in for sale 2022 when its former landlords Steve and Sue Preston made an announcement that the venue would be closing.

The council said local people and businesses in the area have been informed of the application and they will update the public when a decision has been made.

Anyone who would like to find more can find the application on the council portal under 23/00988/FUL.