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# Plans lodged to turn Princes Street office into six flats
- URL: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/plans-lodged-to-turn-princes-street-office-into-six-flats/
- Published: 2024-12-18T15:15:09.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-16T15:27:09.000Z
- Description: A London-based developer has submitted plans to convert a commercial building in Ipswich town centre into residential flats. Westmore Developments Ltd is seeking permission to create six new homes at Friars Courtyard on Princes Street.
- Author: Oliver Rouane-Williams
- Tags: News, Planning & Licensing, #article, Ipswich Borough Council, #Import 2026-03-16 14:45

**The big picture:** The proposal would transform the 1986 purpose-built office building within Ipswich's central conservation area into residential flats while maintaining its external appearance.

![Friars Courtyard in Ipswich](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/03/1734526610-friars-courtyard-princes-street-ipswich-2-1.jpg)

A London-based developer has submitted plans to convert a commercial building in Ipswich town centre into residential flats Photo: Oliver Rouane-Williams (Ipswich.co.uk)

**Why it matters:** If approved, the development would consist of:

- One two-bedroom flat on the ground floor
- Two flats each on the first and second floors – one two-bedroom and one single-bedroom
- One single-bedroom flat on the third floor

**Details:** The plans, submitted through Ben Elvin Planning Consultancy, include three parking spaces at the rear of the building for residents.

**What's next:**

- The application is currently under consideration by Ipswich Borough Council
- Neighbour consultations are open until 14 January 2025
- Planning officials aim to make a decision by 7 February 2025

**The bottom line:** While the building sits within the town's conservation area, no major external alterations are proposed as part of the conversion plans. The planning application reference is 24/00985/P3JPA.

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