Medical practice annexe at The Inkerman Public House, Ipswich

What was proposed

The application sought conversion of a vacant public house into an annexe for the neighbouring doctors’ practice, with extensions, alterations and new plant.

“25/00685/FUL Ward:WESTGATE Proposal: Change of use from public house (Sui Generis) to become annexe to existing neighbouring doctors' practice. Works include replacement of existing windows, single-storey rear extension rebuilding of existing rear extension, refurbishment of outbuilding with creation of new windows and rooflights to courtyard elevation and new air handling plant.”

“1.Proposal 1.1The application site is located within the Norwich Road Character Area, 440 metres from the Norwich Road District Centre and located within a predominantly residential area of Ipswich. The building is currently vacant, having previously been in use as a public house. The main two storey building on the site is locally listed.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval subject to no substantive re-consultation objections and conditions controlling noise, access, parking, landscaping, materials and use.

“Recommendation Subject to no substantive objections being received within the re-consultation period (following receipt of revised plans seeking retention of the existing access), the Head of Development be authorised to grant planning permission subject to the following conditions (briefly): - 1. Development to be in accordance with the revised drawings and the requirements of any succeeding conditions. 2.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A primary care representative and the practice’s general manager spoke in support, highlighting healthcare capacity, services, accessibility and community benefits.

What members debated

Members discussed accessible parking, electric vehicle spaces, wheelchair access, the retained vehicle access, air quality and the site’s constrained layout.

“Councillor Murray raised concern regarding accessibility and noted that only one accessible parking bay was shown whilst two EV charging bays had been proposed. Councillor Murray asked whether Officers had sought additional accessible parking bays, how a wheelchair user could access all necessary staff areas as an employee, including upper floors, and the reasons why a lift could not be installed.”

“The Senior Planning Officer explained that an informative could be included requesting the applicant to review opportunities for increasing accessible parking either within the existing or proposed sites; however, a planning condition would not be reasonable due to the physical constraints of the site and the spatial requirements for accessible bays.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee authorised planning permission subject to revised noise limits, the listed conditions and an informative seeking review of accessible parking opportunities.

“Subject to no substantive objections being received within the re-consultation period (following receipt of revised plans seeking retention of the existing access), the Head of Planning and Development be authorised to grant planning permission subject to the following conditions (briefly):”

“Development to be in accordance with the revised drawings and the requirements of any succeeding conditions. External plant to not exceed noise limits of 50dB LAr during the day and 40dB LAr at night measured at the window of neighbouring properties. No first use until proposed vehicular areas, including electric vehicle charging spaces and permeable paving, have been provided. Before first use details of cycle parking shall be submitted and approved. 5.”

Minutes