MORE than 200 new homes, sporting facilities and play space could be built on the site of St Clement’s Hospital.

Members of the public are today being urged to have their say on the proposals for the future of the last Victorian asylum in Suffolk.

On September 5 and 6 a consultation meeting is taking place at The Hollies, on the 25-acre site of the hospital in Foxhall Road.

The plans for the site, which is owned by Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, the county’s mental health service, include:

- residential development for up to 227 dwellings

- the conversion of the Victorian hospital buildings

- community facilities, including sport amenities and open space provision

- a local park with play facilities.

The bowling club is set to remain on the site, with improved parking and club facilities.

The golf course at the rear of the hospital is not included as it is under private ownership.

Commercial director of the trust, Leigh Fleming said: “The move from St Clement’s has been several years in the planning.

“We no longer have inpatient services on site, having relocated these to a new facility on the Ipswich Hospital site.

“The sale of St Clement’s will fund this, and other, new mental health developments.

“With the retirement of the general manager in 2013 the social club would like to make their last year one to remember.

“They will still be taking bookings up to the last day as well as continuing to run the bar and social events.

“We recognise the important part in local history that St Clement’s has played and we would welcome people to come and see the plans and tell us what they think.”

The site had previously been considered for redevelopment in 2008 and this new plan incorporates the public’s views from the time, for less housing on the site.

The consultation meeting is taking place each day from 4pm to 8pm.