New flats and two retail units look set to be built at the site of a private car park despite concerns being raised over parking and over development.

A scheme centring around "Construction of three storey building for six self-contained one bedroom flats, and two ground floor retail units" at a site off Denmark Road in Lowestoft was lodged with East Suffolk Council in October.

Lowestoft Journal: The former Backs Bars and Imperial Hotel building in Lowestoft. Picture: Newsquest archivesThe former Backs Bars and Imperial Hotel building in Lowestoft. Picture: Newsquest archives (Image: Archant archives)

Plans to redevelop the site that originally formed part of the historic former Imperial Hotel in Lowestoft have been prepared by agents Paul Robinson Partnership (UK) LLP on behalf of the applicant David Wyatt Holdings Ltd.

Lowestoft Journal: Bomb damage to part of the Imperial Hotel on Denmark Road Lowestoft in November 1941. Image: Bert Collyer CollectionBomb damage to part of the Imperial Hotel on Denmark Road Lowestoft in November 1941. Image: Bert Collyer Collection (Image: Bert Collyer Collection)

They will be voted on at a meeting of the council's planning committee north on Tuesday, February 13, with councillors being told planning officers recommend approval of the proposed development, subject to conditions.

A planning report to councillors states: "The application site currently comprises a car park which is accessed via Bevan Street East to the north of the application site.

Lowestoft Journal: The proposed development centres around the site of a car park to the back of Bevan Street East and Imperial House on Denmark Road in Lowestoft. Image: Mick HowesThe proposed development centres around the site of a car park to the back of Bevan Street East and Imperial House on Denmark Road in Lowestoft. Image: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

"The proposal will enhance the character and appearance of the Conservation Area.

"Instead of parking at ground floor level, two retail units are now proposed.

"The application does include the complete loss of the existing car park within the red line, although the other half of the car park, which is understood to be in different ownership, will remain."

With eight objections from the public - centring around "overdevelopment" and "a lack of parking" - three representations of support were also received.

Lowestoft Town Council recommended refusal of the plans "due to the lack of parking provision" and the "impact of existing car parking for businesses in the area."

In recommending that planning permission be granted subject to conditions, the council's case officer's report to councillors concluded: "The scheme will enhance the Conservation Area and makes efficient use of previously developed land in a sustainable location."

The recommendation is for "Authority to approve with conditions."