Women’s charity Phoebe, in Ipswich, looking to expand with building conversion to place of worship and HMO

A women's charity in a Suffolk town wants to expand by converting a neighbouring building into a place of worship and HMO accommodation.

Phoebe, a women's charity, wants to turn the ground floor of 4 Great Colman Street, Ipswich, into a place of religious worship and convert the first and second floors into a four-bedroom house in multiple occupation (HMO).

The charity, which has operated the adjacent building, 6 Great Colman Street, for close to five years, said the extra space was needed to accommodate its growth.

The building has been vacant since 2020 and could provide a 'short-term stop-gap to assist those in need getting back on their feet'.

Phoebe provides advice, information, casework, advocacy and support services to black and ethnic minority women and children.

It hosts events including cooking classes, arts and crafts, youth sessions and mother and baby groups.

The accommodation would provide short-term relief of around two to six months to struggling women, some having survived domestic abuse.

According to planning papers, the charity helps as many as 300 women and children every year.

Ipswich Borough Council planners will now consider the application, with a deadline set for May 19.