House in Lowestoft set to become new HMO for asylum seekers

A scheme centring around "conversion of the existing six bed residential property to an eight bed HMO (Sui Generis)" at Milton Road East in Lowestoft has been given the green light.

Plans for 33 Milton Road East in Lowestoft have been approved. Picture: True Blue Architecture Ltd (Image: True Blue Architecture Ltd)

The change of use plans submitted by the applicant Patrice Elonge for Poseday Properties was lodged with East Suffolk Council in February and has been "permitted" under delegated powers.

The proposed eight bed house of multiple occupancy (HMO) property, which dates from the late Victorian/early Edwardian era, now looks set to house asylum seekers - despite opposition from locals.

With the house on Milton Road East described as "an expansive" two storey, end of terrace Victorian property, the application states: "There will be no major internal or external works carried out as part of this development."

33 Milton Road East in Lowestoft. Picture: True Blue Architecture Ltd (Image: True Blue Architecture Ltd)

A design and access statement submitted by agents True Blue Architecture Ltd, on behalf of the applicant, said: "The primary reason for this new HMO will be for use as accommodation to house highly vulnerable tenants, in this case asylum seekers."

Among the seven objections lodged was an "inappropriate use" for the property and its location - given it is not far from the town centre.

With the decision "delegated to the Head of Planning and Coastal Management for approval", it states: "Officers are minded to approve this application, contrary to the recommendation of Lowestoft Town Council.

"As the Town Council recommends refusal of the application, contrary to the officer's recommendation of approval, the application was considered by the Referral Panel."

With the proposed HMO to be operated and managed by SERCO on behalf of UK Visa and Immigrations (UKVI) "to house asylum seekers in temporary accommodation until their respective cases are decided by UKVI and then transitioned into the care of the local authority," it adds: "It is considered that the principle of this HMO use represents an exceptional case, in that it would provide dedicated accommodation for a specific group of vulnerable tenants."

Recommending the scheme for approval subject to conditions, a decision notice letter stated: "Permission is hereby granted by East Suffolk Council."