Former Ipswich gym to be converted into five flats

Why it matters: The proposed conversion would bring the long-vacant commercial property at 38 Princes Street back into residential use in the town centre.

It was most recently home to Gymophobics, but this gym has been closed for a number of years.

Oliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

The details: The proposal is to change the use of all three floors of the building to five one-bedroom flats:

• Two units on the ground floor level

• Two units on the first floor

• One flat on the second floor

Six parking spaces are provided within the car parking area at the rear of the building, which can be accessed from Princes Street via an archway.

For context: The premises are sited within the Central Conservation Area but is not a listed building.

The planning application has been submitted by Westmore Developments Ltd through Ben Elvin Planning Consultancy.

The property was previously the site of "Fred Smith & Co" livery and bait stables, with the historic facade still visible on the building.

The bottom line: If approved, the conversion would add to the town centre's residential options while repurposing a building that has stood vacant for several years.

Planning application

• 25/00164/P3JPA