PROPOSALS for the biggest new council housing scheme in the town in 50 years have been outlined by the borough.

It is to build 125 homes on land at Bader Close in the Priory Heath area of the town.

Work should start on the project in the middle of next year.

Borough council leader David Ellesmere said the development was thought to be the largest single council housing development in Ipswich for half a century – and would be welcomed by many people.

He said: “Most people aspire to owning their own homes, but if that is not possible, then they would like to be able to get a council house.

“These designs will give us the opportunity to build a real community here and I’m sure they will be welcomed.”

The borough is linking up with the Orwell Housing Association to build the homes – but they will be owned and managed by the borough itself.

The move was welcomed by Ipswich MP Ben Gummer – although he felt housing associations were often better at running social housing than local authorities.

He said: “I am pleased to see more affordable homes being built and I know the council is keen to run them themselves.

“That is their decision, but in many cases housing associations run better services.”