ipswich.gov.uk

ABP supports the allocation of Site IP037 - Island Site for housing as part of a mixed use development. Given the nascent proposals for the site, the notional housing capacity set out in the policy can only be indicative at this stage, although it is below ABP's expectations. ABP welcomes the recognition in the Policy that the precise split should be a matter for a future master plan and/or planning application. The Island Site presently accommodates successful high profile marine businesses (including Fairline Boats Ltd and Spirit Yachts Ltd) and the commercially successful Ipswich Haven Marina (which has contributed significantly to the regeneration of the waterfront area). Accommodating these activities in the future development of the Island Site so that they continue to contribute to an active and appealing waterfront environment for further regeneration will be critical.

A critical challenge to realise successful redevelopment of the Island Site, given the significant development costs on this site, will be viability (which is recognized at paragraph 2.11 as one of the more detailed issues emerging from the evidence which this plan needs to address). The low indicative development capacity for homes, which is at the lower end of the Policy DM30a range and high proportion of 'open space' use (proposed under Policy SP6) is significantly lower than in previous iterations of the IP-One AAP, has not been informed by a detailed study and does not take account of any viability considerations. In this context, ABP welcomes the wording at paragraph 4.8 which recognizes that the figures given in Policy SP2 are indicative to help ensure that developments can be viably delivered.