Ipswich plans to repurpose Neptune Marina car park for use by Salthouse Harbour Hotel

Plans have been lodged to repurpose a car park at a waterfront for use by a popular hotel.

Andrew Cann, from Planning Direct, has sought a temporary change of use for Neptune Marina car park in Ipswich.

If approved, 40 places at the car park would be in use by the Salthouse Harbour Hotel plus another six for staff working at the office building next door to the hotel, for a period of five years.

Planning documents said the purpose of the site, as a boat maintenance yard and car park, has ended following approval of £2m plans to redevelop the waterfront and is just used for office parking.

The car park would not be used by the public should the plans be given the green light.

The site already has four electric vehicle charging ports and 12 cycle bays have been proposed.

Other than a remarking of bays, no changes will be made to the yard.

Planning documents said the Salthouse Harbour Hotel has been allowing clients to use its own car park next door to its site.

“This has long been considered an inconvenient arrangement for guests at the hotel,” the applicant said.

“Additionally, planning permission granted by the council for the expansion of the hotel restaurant will restrict parking on the hotel site which is already insufficient for the needs of the hotel.”

The proposals will go before planners soon.