Go-ahead for £60m mini-skyscraper

The developer says the tower will be a mini-Barbican

A controversial landmark building 23 storeys high is to be built on the waterfront in Ipswich.

The £60m project, behind the Victorian facade of the old Cranfields Mill, will include a hotel, dance studio and more than 300 apartments.

Planning permission was given for the development on Wednesday but its critics say it is too big and will spoil the landscape.

Demolition will start in the autumn with completion due two years later.

"What this delivers is a mini-Barbican - that's always been my vision," said developer Spencer Style.

"It delivers the residential element but below that is a major arts facility along with a range of restaurants, bars and gallery space," he added.

The Ipswich Society is among the critics who claim it will be a blot on the landscape of the town, which is working for economic regeneration.

Spokesman Mike Cook said: "We feel that this tower is too high and not beautiful enough for the town centre of Ipswich. It has got to be smaller and better."