Good progress continues to be made on a new housing development in a coastal town.

With prominent former offices close to Lowestoft town centre having been demolished work on six new two bedroom houses is "progressing well."

Having been empty for more than four years, the former Shaw Trust offices, close to Lowestoft town centre on Milton Road East, were demolished last summer.

It comes after plans were unanimously approved by East Suffolk Council's planning committee north in March 2022 for a scheme that would see six new homes built to be available for affordable rent.

Lowestoft Journal: The former Shaw Trust offices in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick HowesThe former Shaw Trust offices in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Plans centring around the "Development of six, two-bed dwellings after demolition of existing building" at 15-18 Milton Road East in Lowestoft were given the go-ahead after a scheme was submitted by agents Rees Pryer Architects in November 2021, on behalf of the applicant East Suffolk Council.

The single storey office building, which has been vacant since 2019, has now been demolished with "six, two-bedroom properties with associated parking and outdoor amenity space" set to be built - with the properties set to "form part of the council's housing portfolio".

Lowestoft Journal: The former Shaw Trust offices in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick HowesThe former Shaw Trust offices in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

In September 2020 plans were lodged to convert the former offices into four new retail sites.

But with that scheme subsequently withdrawn in August 2021, plans were lodged later that year with the site described as "an excellent opportunity to deliver six much needed two bedroom homes."

With the "new build" of six homes continuing, a council spokesman said: "Good progress is being made on site at our housing development on Milton Road East in Lowestoft.

Lowestoft Journal: Demolition work at the site of the former Shaw Trust offices in Lowestoft began last summer. Picture: Mick HowesDemolition work at the site of the former Shaw Trust offices in Lowestoft began last summer. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

"The six, two bedroom houses, which will be available to eligible applicants on the housing register, will have private rear gardens, air source heat pumps, electric vehicle chargers and solar photovoltaic panels.

"Off-road parking will also be provided."

The council said that the properties are "expected to be completed in the summer".