Margaret Catchpole, Ipswich

The project involved identifying a windfall development opportunity on an underutilised and untidy section of a public house site in Ipswich. The site occupied a sensitive position at the entrance to Holywells Park and adjacent to the Grade II listed Margaret Catchpole Public House, creating a range of heritage, landscape, and arboricultural considerations.

Initial objections from the Conservation Officer and Parks Team highlighted the challenges associated with developing the site. However, an early assessment confirmed the potential for a small, high-quality residential scheme subject to careful design and technical resolution of heritage and environmental issues. A proactive engagement process with stakeholders successfully resolved these concerns, including the removal of all arboricultural objections through extensive tree-related assessment and design work.

The final scheme delivered four characterful semi-detached family homes that respond sensitively to the historic and landscape context. Existing trees were carefully retained and protected, while the scheme introduced significant landscaping enhancements including the planting of 15 new trees to complement the adjacent park setting.

The development transformed a redundant and underutilised site into a high-quality residential scheme within a well-established area of Ipswich. In doing so, it preserved and enhanced the heritage setting and landscape character of the site, delivered environmental benefits through tree retention and new planting, and contributed positively to the Council’s Five-Year Housing Land Supply.