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Ipswich housing target set to increase by over 60%

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Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

The government has announced new housing targets for England, with Ipswich's annual goal rising from 466 to 755 new homes. This significant increase is part of a national plan to boost housing supply across the country.

Why it matters: In addition to creating new homes, the increased target could also lead to more housing development in Ipswich, potentially affecting local infrastructure, services, and the character of the town.

The big picture: Housing Secretary Angela Rayner has unveiled an overhaul of England's planning rules, aiming to deliver 1.5 million new homes by 2029. The national annual target has risen from 305,000 to 370,000 homes.

Key details:

  • Ipswich's new annual target: 755 homes (up from 466)

  • East of England regional target: 44,858 homes (up from 35,101)

  • London is the only region to see a reduced target

What they're saying:

  • Angela Rayner: "Our decisive reforms to the planning system correct the errors of the past and set us on our way to tackling the housing crisis, delivering 1.5 million homes for those who really need them."

  • Sam Richards, CEO of Britain Remade: The revised framework contains "a number of necessary changes", but it's a "mistake" to cut London's target.

Between the lines: The reforms aim to promote development on brownfield sites and increase housing density in urban areas. However, some green belt land may be released for development under strict conditions.

What's next: Local authorities will need to update their housing plans based on the new targets and calculation methods. This could lead to increased pressure for new developments in Ipswich and surrounding areas.

The bottom line: Ipswich residents can expect to see proposals for more housing developments in the coming years as the town works to meet its increased target.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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Has Fabio Wardley's 'dream' Portman Road fight moved one step closer?

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Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

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The British heavyweight champion and diehard Ipswich Town fan could see his ambition to fight at his beloved club become reality after a new licence application.

Why it matters: Ipswich Town Football Club has applied for a variation of its licence at Portman Road. The application has requested boxing or wrestling entertainment to take place between 12:00 and 22:30 on Sundays to Thursdays, as well as 12:00 to 23:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.

West Stand at Portman Road stadium in Ipswich
West Stand at Portman Road stadium in IpswichHolly Woodard-Williams

What they're saying: Speaking with the BBC, an ITFC spokesperson said: "Following infrastructure improvements to Portman Road over the past couple of years, it will not be uncommon for the stadium to apply for various licences to host events across different sectors; this is just one of many that will start to appear."

For context: British heavyweight champion and Ipswich Town fan Fabio Wardley said it was his "dream" to fight at the ground.

In October 2024, Wardley told BBC Radio Suffolk he wanted to fight at Portman Road, saying: "It's still the dream and it's on the cards".

"If anything it's closer than ever now because being with Frank Warren my promoter, he's done stadium shows before and he knows how to put them on.

"When it happens is still a massive question but pieces are definitely falling into place for this."

Fabio Wardley at Portman Road stadium in Ipswich
Fabio Wardley at Portman Road stadium in IpswichAlamy

The bigger picture: Ipswich Town chief executive, Mark Ashton, said in November 2024 that the club had been in discussion with Wardley about appearing at the ground and that it was in the "pipeline" but not "imminent".

The details: The club has also requested to be permitted to include live music performances, playing of recorded music, dance performances as well as alcohol sales and late night refreshments.

Portman Road underwent a series of improvements last summer to prepare the ground for Premier League football, including new media facilities, more executive boxes and the introduction of safe standing areas at the ground for the first time.

What's next: Posters advertising the change have been put up in the area around the ground with people able to have their say on the change until 24 April.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

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