The historic planning applications that changed Ipswich

Ipswich Borough Council's planning archive dates back all the way to the 1950s, showing how our town came to take shape – and how different it once must have been.

Among these historic application includes a submission made on January 17, 1952.

The council received an application to rebuild the site of numbers 16 to 18 Princes Street, where a fire had swept through the former Central Cinema two years previously.

It was agreed that the new building would be used as “offices, showrooms and a warehouse for electrical goods”, provided that would be no on- or offloading from Princes Street or from Elm Street.

The cinema stood derelict for several years. (Image: Dave Kindred) In February that year, also in Princes Street, it was decided that a former fire station building would become two new homes.

In July 1952, it was agreed that a furniture store would be built at 20A Upper Brook Street. However, the planning officer was clear that they were only granting permission “until the last day of August 1962”, after which point the store would need to be dismantled.

Fast forward in the archives to June 1979, it was decided that numbers 2 to 6 on the Cornhill would be demolished, replacing it with a brand new three-storey retail space, plus basement.

It was noted that this would affect the eaves overhang of Mannings pub next-door. Today, that three-storey retail space remains but has stood vacant for around six years.

• Gallery: How has Ipswich changed in the past 15 years?

The planning application proposed building a furniture store in 20A Upper Brook Street, (Image: Google Maps) In 1979, it was proposed to demolish the buildings at 2 to 6 Cornhill, replacing it with a brand new three-storey retail space. (Image: Google Maps) Mannings pub, pictured in 2006. (Image: Newsquest) A planning application proposing relating to a new pub in Wherry Quay was submitted in 1984. (Image: Google Maps) On January 5, 1984, an application was submitted suggesting that internal and external works take place at 7 Wherry Quay on the Waterfront to form a public house, where Isaacs on the Quay now stands.

It was stipulated that details of the first-floor balustrade would need to be approved, as would proposed changes to the cowl (a hood-shaped chimney covering) and the malt-kiln (a furnace or oven that dries germinated barley to create malt for brewing).

What do you think have been the biggest changes to Ipswich over the years? Let us know in the comments.