Green light for new homes at former garages in Lowestoft

Work on six affordable houses at council-owned land in the town looks set to start in "a little more than 12 weeks" after plans were given the go-ahead.

The site is not far away from St Peters Court in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

A scheme that "transforms an underused brownfield garage site in the well connected historic quarter of Lowestoft" was lodged with East Suffolk Council earlier this year.

Visual impressions of the homes earmarked for Lowestoft. An aerial view from the south. Picture: Gallus Studio (Image: Gallus Studio)

Plans centring around "Construction of six new build three person two bedroom terraced and semi detached affordable homes" at the former garage site at Chapel Street were voted on.

The site of the former garages in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

A scheme submitted by agents Gallus Studio on behalf of the applicant East Suffolk Council was discussed at a meeting of the council's Planning Committee North in Lowestoft on Tuesday, October 10.

With planning officers recommending approval of the proposed development of "six affordable homes to meet local need," subject to conditions, case officer Matthew Gee described the proposals as "high-quality design for area".

An Elim Terrace elevation of the proposed homes at the site of the former garages in Lowestoft. Picture: Gallus Studio (Image: Gallus Studio)

Two objections - concerning "loss of privacy" and "lack of parking" - had been lodged for the site that "comprises the foundations of demolished garages at the corner of Elim Terrace and Factory Street".

However, councillors unanimously voted in favour of the scheme.

Planning Committee North vice-chair, Cllr Julia Ewart, was "really encouraged" by the development, adding "it looks very appealing."

Visual impressions of the homes earmarked for Lowestoft. Picture: Gallus Studio (Image: Gallus Studio)

Cllr Paul Ashdown asked Paul Pitcher, on behalf of Wellington Construction, that should permission be granted "when can we see some work begin"?

Mr Pitcher said they would look to be on site within "12 to 16 weeks."

Visual impressions of the homes earmarked for Lowestoft. An elevation from Thurston Road. Picture: Gallus Studio (Image: Gallus Studio)

In proposing approval of the recommendation, Cllr Malcolm Pitchers said: "I like the design and I think it fits in well with the surrounding area, which is a real mix of housing through the decades." 

This was seconded by Cllr Ashdown and subsequently approved after a unanimous vote.

Describing the development as "very exciting", Planning Committee North chair Cllr Sarah Plummer said: "We look forward to seeing work starting in a little more than 12 weeks."