The home of the Super Blues has been protected to prevent future council chiefs selling the ground for redevelopment.

Ipswich Town’s Portman Road has been registered as an Asset of Community Value by Ipswich Borough Council, who owns the freehold to the stadium.

It means any future administration of the council would have to give the local community six months to raise money to buy the ground before selling the freehold.

The move, which would act as a brake on any sale, was yesterday welcomed by Ipswich Town 1st, the supporters’ trust.

Colin Kreidewolf, secretary of Ipswich Town 1st, said: “We appreciate that the current IBC administration have no desire to sell Portman Road, and are pleased to see it remaining in public ownership.

“Having ACV status means that any future administration at the council wouldn’t be able to change that situation without involving supporters and local people.”

Borough leader David Ellesmere said: “The current council administration has no intention of selling Portman Road.

“We are very happy to support listing Portman Road as an Asset of Community Value to give supporters the reassurance they need that ITFC will remain in the heart of Ipswich.”