Local MP calls for ISA building to be converted into housing

A local MP has called for the Ipswich Caribbean Association (ICA) building to be converted into new houses.

Ben Gummer, who is the Conservative MP for Ipswich, has claimed that the site of the derelict building would be "perfect" for some much needed additional housing in the area.

Gummer, who is not the first to comment on the need for more houses to let in Ipswich, was reacting to rumours that the town's Labour run council were planning to convert the building into a car park. In an interview with BBC News, he argued that local residents would benefit far more from the addition of new housing than they would from yet another car park.

He said: "It's about time the borough council showed a bit of vision, rather than having another derelict site in the town centre flattened to make way for a car park which is hardly used. We are overflowing with car parks in Ipswich." 

Ipswichspy.wordpress.com report that the council has applied for planning permission to demolish the building after deciding that it would be too expensive to renovate.

Labour councillor David Ellesmere has argued that the costs of demolishing would be repaid within four years if the building is turned into a car park.