ipswich.gov.uk

Ipswich Borough Council’s plans for a new “green” depot on the former Le Bronze Alloys site on New Way are set to take a big step forward next week when the Council’s Executive considers the outline plans.

The new depot would replace the current aging facility on the Hadleigh Road Industrial Estate and provide a home for the Council’s refuse, recycling, street cleaning and housing maintenance teams. Once built, the new facility is expected to achieve a BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ rating for environmental sustainability – the highest such rating available – and to play a big part in meeting the Council’s carbon neutrality by 2030 pledge.

The new depot would:

• enable the Council’s continued vehicle replacement programme and which is destined to see the whole Council fleet move to electric vehicles or using sustainable fuels;
• enable changes to the delivery of refuse and recycling services if the Government’s Resources and Waste Strategy (which may set national standards for refuse and recycling collection) comes to fruition as well as the required expansion to serve new homes in the borough;
• enable the Council to rationalise its storage that will mean current storage sites elsewhere can be re-let or redeveloped;
• significantly improve working conditions for council staff; and
• make it easier to maintain the high standards of safety always met

An onsite vehicle maintenance unit would be included to ensure that the Council’s fleet is maintained in the most efficient way, and there may be space left over on the site to enable the development of light industrial units for rent at a later date. 

If the Council’s Executive agree to progress the project, and provide the necessary funding, then Handford Developments which is developing the depot for the Council, would submit a planning application in the New Year. If planning permission is granted, it is expected that the new depot would be ready for occupation by the Council in summer 2023, ahead of the lease on its current depot expiring. 

Councillor Phil Smart, Ipswich Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Environment and Climate Change, says:

“This flagship project is a great investment in our operations, our staff and the environment. Achieving a BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ rating would set this depot apart and show not only how serious the Council is about meeting its Carbon Neutrality pledge but also that environmental sustainability can be incorporated into good design and operations. The new depot will both enable us to continue meeting the borough’s refuse and recycling needs and be a base to maintain our council homes for decades to come.”