A new enterprise hub which will cost around £2m was given the go-ahead at a planning meeting.

The plans see the existing garage and shop demolished with a new two storey building including retail, office space, a cafe, and two flats on the corner of Station Road and Blyth Road, Southwold for those looking to start new businesses in the town.

At Waveney District Council's planning committee on Tuesday, September 18, the plans were approved despite concerns over parking for the businesses and residents.

Councillors and residents voiced their concerns over plans to build a car park nearly 200 metres away from the new buildings.

Worries about the loss of businesses in the buildings on the site were also raised by members of the public and councillors.

Solicitors on behalf of Southwold Town Council said at the meeting: 'It will make better use of site and make better use of space of the town.'

They added the town council was helping the current garage owners move premises and said the development could be phased to allow for the shop to remain open during construction.

However, the vote passed seven votes for and two against.