A bid to turn a flat into a house of multiple occupancy (HMO) has been given the green light.

Change of use plans to turn a two storey residential flat in Lowestoft into the HMO property was "permitted" by East Suffolk Council under delegated powers.

A scheme centring around "Change of use from two storey residential flat to a five bedroom HMO" at a property in Commercial Road, Lowestoft was lodged with East Suffolk Council in August last year.

The plans submitted by GP Architectural Services, on behalf of the applicant Captain Munish Bhardwaj have been approved.

With the change of use plans centring around the first and second floor of the property that is situated on the approach to the town centre, the scheme was permitted under delegated powers.

It said: "The site is in a residential area with commercial on the ground floor and basement.

"The upper two floors are currently let as student accommodation; however, the use class is residential accommodation.

"It is the applicant’s and agent’s opinion that this application will help with the obvious need for student accommodation."

A report from a delegated officer at the council said: "The site is located within the settlement boundary and Conservation Area for Lowestoft and comprises the first and second floor of a mid-terrace building close to the corner of Commercial Road and Station Square.

"The HMO is used for student accommodation, and as such is deemed to meet the criteria for an exceptional circumstance.

"The principle of the change of use to a HMO is accepted."

With no objections received from consultees and no representations from neighbours, in recommending the scheme for approval subject to four conditions, a decision notice letter from the council stated: "Permission is hereby granted by East Suffolk Council subject to compliance with conditions."