Plans to convert parts of a four-storey office building in Ipswich town centre into flats have been refused due to the lack of natural light in proposed apartments.
Ipswich Borough Council’s planning and development committee rejected permission to build 12 apartments at Giles Place at 31 Princes Street.
Another planning application regarding this building was approved in 2021.
Planning bosses gave a green light to turn a different part of Giles Place into 17 one-bed and 18 two-bed homes.
The application reads that the "soon to be redundant building" is seen as outdated for modern staff who increasingly work from home.
The Giles Place building was formerly occupied by Direct Line Group, which relocated to Crown House in Ipswich.
The rejected plans for 12 new flats did not include any vehicular parking on site.
All of the apartments were set to have one bedroom, ranging from 37 square metres to 50 square metres in size.
Planning bosses refused the application, claiming that the proposed apartments would be located within a basement area with limited access to natural light.
Neighbours from nearby buildings were also against the plans, saying that the flats would “negatively impact the quality of light” in their homes.
They were also concerned about having less privacy due to the closeness of the new apartments.
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