The owner of the Port of Ipswich has objected to proposals for the redevelopment of a landmark brewery.
In November, Mohammed Khan submitted plans to Ipswich Borough Council, seeking to turn the former Grade II-listed Tolly Cobbold brewery in Cliff Quay into care units.
The brewery itself would become 38 flats, while an eight-storey block would be built behind it, encompassing 80 flats.
Cliff Quay Brewery could become care units under the plans. Picture: Leah Jones
Mr Khan described the development as a ‘care village’ that would contain 118 units in total, designed for 24/7 care for those over 21.
Associated British Ports (ABP), which owns the Port of Ipswich, has expressed its opposition for the plans as they stand.
A spokesperson for the firm said while the firm was not opposed to the development in principle and supported restoration of the brewery, it had major concerns that needed to be addressed.
“The Port of Ipswich is a major economic driver in the region, and together with ABP’s other East Anglian ports at King’s Lynn and Lowestoft, contributes £360 million annually to the UK economy and supports thousands of jobs,” the spokesperson said.
“Cliff Quay accommodates a variety of port tenants, and one of our primary concerns include potential obstruction to vehicles entering and leaving the Port, potential health and safety risks, and the increased risk of nuisance complaints from port activities.
“ABP remains in an open dialogue with the applicant to resolve these issues but must object to the current application to protect the Port’s significant economic role and operational integrity.”
If the plans are approved, Cliff Cottage, on the same site as the brewery, would become seven additional flats which will go on the market aimed at staff.
In addition, a section of the old brewery would become a small museum, detailing the history of the building, and other buildings to the south of the complex would be knocked down.
The former Brewery Tap, which shut in 2017, would be renovated and remain as a pub and restaurant, with the kitchen moved to the ground floor.
The site has lain vacant since brewing stopped in 2002, and was described by Mr Khan as being in an ‘unsafe state’.
It was also heavily damaged in a fire in 2020.