Plans to turn a former seaside hotel into flats and a cafe have been unanimously approved after ‘substantial improvements’ were made by the developer.
East Suffolk Council’s planning north committee previously expressed concerns about the size of the flats being proposed at the former Royal Court Hotel in Lowestoft, and around waste concerns on site and that only eight parking spaces were being offered.
The hotel has been closed since 2009.
Safdar Khan, managing director of Lowestoft Court Apartments Ltd, who will be developing the flats at the London Road South site, has since been working with planners at East Suffolk Council to address concerns raised at last month’s meeting.
Speaking to the committee meeting on Tuesday, Joe Blackmore, Principal Planner at East Suffolk Council, said: “There were concerns expressed during the last meeting about the size of the flats.
“I’ve been in talks with the applicant and the number of flats will be reduced from 16 to 15, allowing more floor space to be available for the flats on the first floor, for example, flats 5 to 11 will be significantly enlarged from 37 square metres to 40 and 50 square metres.”
“The applicant has also been working with East Suffolk Norse who have said that five, 11,000 litre waste bins with weekly pickups will be sufficient to help reduce waste in the area.
“There will be eight parking spaces on site with residents able to use three car parks all nearby with year long parking permits.”
Hemingway Design will be designing the flats and photos during the meeting showed a modern design.
The changes to the proposals was welcomed by councillors.
Craig Rivett said: “We have seen substantial improvements to the plans with both Highways England and Historic England pulling their previous objections.”
Jocelyn Bond added: “This will be a great asset to the area.”
Jenny Ceresa added: “The building is in a conservation area and has sash windows.” Addressing Mr Khan she asked: “Would you be happy to keep the original windows?”
Mr Khan agreed, adding that the cafe on the ground floor would help to promote healthy eating in the area and help to tackle child obesity by offering healthy food at a cheap price.
The decision for the flats was unanimously approved by councillors with the recommendation that the original sash windows will remain intact.
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