The Ipswich Council's Planning & Development Committee met on Wednesday 17 September 2025 to discuss several planning applications, including the conversion of a former gym into flats, the creation of a car park, and the development of a self-build dwelling. The committee also reviewed the minutes of the previous meeting. This article summarises the information presented to the committee members, but does not report on any discussion or decisions that may have taken place.

Gym And Trim Health Club, Lower Orwell Street

Councillors were scheduled to review an application concerning the Gym And Trim Health Club on Lower Orwell Street. The proposal was for the conversion and extension of the building to create 16 dwellings.

The report pack included a review of the financial viability of the development. The report noted that a previous resolution to grant planning permission was subject to a Section 106 agreement[^2] to secure contributions towards education, early years expansion, libraries, waste, and public open space.

Policy DM6 states that in all new residential developments of 10 dwellings or more (or on sites of 0.5ha or more), the Council will require provision of high-quality open spaces and sports and recreation facilities to meet the needs of their occupiers. The effect of on-site provision and/or off-site enhancements on development viability will also be a consideration, although the resultant provision to account for this must not be at a level that the development would not be deemed sustainable in either social or environmental terms.

Item 1

The applicant submitted a Financial Viability Assessment, which was then reviewed by an independent consultant. The applicant's assessment suggested that the scheme was unviable with the Section 106 contributions, while the independent appraisal indicated an even less viable scenario.

Car Parking Area, Emmanuel Close

The committee were to consider an application for the creation of 11 car parking bays to the carriageway on Emmanuel Close, including the change of use of amenity land to accommodate bays 1-4, relocation of a bin store, and kerb realignment. The applicant for this application was Ipswich Borough Council.

The report pack noted that the scheme had been revised since first submitted, with a minor re-configuration of the parking spaces closest to the flats. The original scheme allowed for 12 car parking spaces, but this had been reduced to 11 to accommodate a blue badge space.

Representations against the proposal had been received, with concerns raised about the loss of green space, the impact on the outlook from nearby flats, and potential smells from the relocated bin store.

12 Bishops Hill

The Planning & Development Committee were scheduled to discuss an outline planning application for the development of one self-build dwelling at 12 Bishops Hill. The application sought approval for access, with all other matters reserved.

The site is located within a Green Corridor and in proximity to an identified wildlife corridor. The report pack noted that the illustrative plan showed how a single detached dwelling could be accommodated on the site, utilising an existing access point and dropped kerb.

The report pack noted that the Self Build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015 requires local planning authorities to establish and publicise a local register of custom builders who wish to acquire suitable land to build their own home.

Other Matters

The committee was also scheduled to be updated on Tree Preservation Orders and appeals.