A large former retail store could be set for a new lease of life - provided plans get the go-ahead.

Change of use plans have been lodged that could see the former Quality Discounts (QD) site in Lowestoft become "port and port related use."

A scheme has been submitted to East Suffolk Council for the former retail chain store - that closed in July 2022 - at Unit A on Commercial Road in Lowestoft.

The plans centre around: "Change of use of former retail site to port and port-related use, associated erection of a mesh boundary fence and gates around the site perimeter, minor alterations to the existing building and the existing vehicle access, the construction of an additional vehicular access and associated alterations to lighting, security and service infrastructure."

The scheme has been lodged by agents Adams Hendry Consulting Limited, on behalf of applicant Associated British Ports (ABP).

Lowestoft Journal: Proposed elevations for Unit A Commercial Road Lowestoft Picture: Feilden Mawson LLPProposed elevations for Unit A Commercial Road Lowestoft Picture: Feilden Mawson LLP (Image: Feilden+Mawson LLP)

In April last year, Port of Lowestoft owner ABP said it had completed the purchase of the 1.5 acre site as it wanted to "improve the vitality of the port-side location", as well as increasing the port's role as "a thriving centre for companies servicing the offshore energy industry".

ABP said at the time it was "looking forward to securing a new tenant of the site".

Lowestoft Journal: The former QD store at the Port of Lowestoft which has been snapped up by port owners AB Ports. Picture: ABP)The former QD store at the Port of Lowestoft which has been snapped up by port owners AB Ports. Picture: ABP) (Image: ABP)

A planning, design and access statement said: "The proposals comprise the change of use of the site from retail to port use together with minimal works to facilitate the change of use.

"The facility will be used for the storage of appropriate port cargoes and the undertaking of related port activity."

With a decision on its future likely to be made by East Suffolk Council in the coming weeks, the Highways Authority has lodged a "holding objection", and while "in principle" Lowestoft Town Council "were in support of the application", its planning committee "agreed to recommend refusal of the application as presented".