Marina redevelopment plans recommended for approval

Ipswich Borough Council will discuss plans to redevelop the marina on Wednesday

Plans for a £2m waterfront redevelopment have been recommended for approval, despite fears it could "rip the heart out" of a town.

Associated British Ports (ABP) initially submitted plans in July last year to Ipswich Borough Council to redevelop Beacon Marina, previously the Neptune Marina.

The plans were met with opposition including a petition reaching nearly 3,200 signatures and boat owners previously criticised a decision to give them two weeks' notice to move.

Planning officers have recommended the plans for approval and the council's planning committee will meet on Wednesday to discuss them.

ABP’s plans included building two welfare buildings for berth holders, one near Neptune Quay and the other on the island opposite, which would include toilets, showers, laundry facilities and other services.

A foul water plant would also be created to service the southern welfare block and a large space for a new museum would be allocated.

Under the plans, 93 pontoons from the wet dock would be removed and replaced by 15 new ones in front of Coprolite Street and the University of Suffolk’s main building.

The proposals garnered 24 objections from residents who cited a range of issues including the potential impact on property value, tourism, trade, noise and marine life.

One objector said: "Removing the existing pontoons from the waterfront along Wherry and Neptune quay will rip the heart out of Ipswich."

The Environment Agency originally objected but later withdrew its initial comments subject to conditions, reports the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

ABP revised its original plans after it received backlash from boat owners of Ipswich Marina

The proposals received two representations of support.

One resident wrote the plans would "improve the aesthetics" and said current moorings were in "need of modification" and did not accommodate larger vessels.

The need for upgraded infrastructure was highlighted in a planning statement submitted on behalf of ABP.

"Ipswich Beacon Marina currently has approximately 150 vacant berths as other facilities in the area have become more attractive due to the quality of facilities available," the statement read.

"In addition, some of the marine infrastructure is life-expired and requires urgent removal and replacement or its use will have to cease for safety reasons."

According to planning papers, marine infrastructure may need to be removed within 12 to 18 months regardless of the application’s outcome.

If approved, ABP said work could begin in early 2025.