Plans for a new building at a former fruit farm near Ipswich has been recommended for refusal at an upcoming meeting.

An application was made to Mid Suffolk District Council in August for a new 600 square metre building at Hemingstone Fruit Farm, on Main Road, near Great Blakenham.

The plans will be discussed at the next Mid Suffolk Planning Committee meeting on Wednesday (November 8), after being referred to the committee as having a "controversial nature", expressed by the parish council and comments from other parties.

The plans are for a new business unit building, along with other works, including the creation of 20 car parking spaces, four motorcycle spaces, 16 cycle spaces, two disability spaces, and three spaces for other vehicles.

According to application documents, the application has been recommended for refusal as it is considered "unacceptable in principle", does not represent "an extension of an existing business", and an explanation has not been given as to a "commercial need" for the development.

The wider site was formerly used for fruit growing and includes a range of storage, warehouse and packing buildings.