Retail units and new flats are set to be built at the site of a private car park, despite concerns being raised.
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 has been approved.
Plans to redevelop the site that originally formed part of the historic former Backs Bars and Imperial Hotel building in Lowestoft had been lodged with East Suffolk Council in October.
A scheme submitted by agents Paul Robinson Partnership (UK) LLP on behalf of the applicant David Wyatt Holdings Ltd has been given the green light at a meeting of the council's planning committee north - after councillors followed the planning officers recommendation to approve the proposed development, subject to conditions.
With the proposed development centring around the site of a car park - which is accessed via Bevan Street East to the north of the application site - and Imperial House on Denmark Road in Lowestoft, a planning report said: "The proposal will enhance the character and appearance of the Conservation Area and will not have any adverse impacts upon the amenity of neighbouring land users, or on the vitality and viability of the town centre.
"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.
"The existing car park is understood to be underutilised."
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."
But after East Suffolk council's case officer had recommended to councillors that planning permission be granted subject to conditions, the scheme was approved.
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