Ipswich pink candy shop 'brightens town', say residents

The American candy store has been open for less than two months

Residents have praised a sweet shop's vibrant pink colour scheme for brightening up their town, despite a council order to change it.

Ipswich Borough Council has told the operators of American Candy on Orwell Place to apply for planning permission and use a "more sympathetic" colour, as first reported in the Ipswich Star.

But Carole Wilden said she liked the pink as "it adds a splash of colour".

Business owner Mishevan Abdi has been approached for comment.

One resident said the store added a "splash of colour" to the town

The shop is within a Grade II-listed building on the corner of Upper Orwell Street.

John Cook, Labour councillor for Alexandra ward, said the town had many buildings of historical value.

"Planning rules exist for a reason, and we expect property and business owners to comply with them," he said.

He advised people to check with local planners before undertaking work on their buildings.

"The operator of the shop has been told to apply for planning permission," he said.

"My understanding is that the application will not be for what they have done, but for a more sympathetic plan for the building."

The building was previously home to Miss Quirky Kicks crystal shop, which had a mint-green exterior

The building previously housed a white-fronted bridal store, and then a mint-green and pale pink crystal shop.

Labour councillor Carole Jones, portfolio holder for planning and museums, said the building is "not acceptable" in its current form.

"We understand [the operators] have appointed a local architect who is drawing up a listed building application," she said. "This will cover the repainting of the shop exterior to a more suitable colour, and the removal the signage, including the illuminated section."

The council have given American Candy until the end of January to submit their application, and are discussing repairs to the shopfront together.

"We hope the owners of this building will work with us in the way the council has outlined to them," Cllr Jones added.

Will Mortimer, who works opposite the store, said: "It's a nice and bright corner. It brightens up a pretty dull bit of town."

He said he hoped other businesses in the area would be encouraged to use vibrant colour schemes.