A new seven-bedroom house of multiple occupation (HMO) looks set to be created near a coastal town centre in a property that "has been vacant for several years."

Change of use plans to turn a mid-terrace building near Lowestoft town centre into an HMO have been given the go-ahead.

A scheme centring around "Change of use to House In Multiple Occupation (HIMO) with no physical changes to the building" at 7, Beach Road in Lowestoft has been given the green light.

Approval for the "retrospective" application comes a couple of weeks after change of use plans were given the green light to turn the nearby mid-terrace former Samaritans building at 14, Beach Road in Lowestoft into an eight-bedroom house of multiple occupation (HMO).

Last month East Suffolk Council "permitted" the proposed eight bed house of multiple occupancy (HMO) property - which "is to be operated by a local registered provider, who provide support for people with a range of needs" - under delegated powers.

Now, a change of use bid to turn empty premises at 7 Beach Road - on the same street - into a seven bedroom HMO was approved.

The change of use plans submitted by agents Anglia Design LLP on behalf of the applicant Mr M Coble - which had been lodged with East Suffolk Council in July last year - were "permitted" under delegated powers.

A planning design and access statement submitted by agents said the property is three storeys and this was "a retrospective planning application to formalise the existing use" of the building "which has been divided up into bedrooms in a shared house".

A delegated report from the council's case officer said: "The applicant has identified that there is a need for this form of accommodation in the local area, and the building has been vacant for several years."

With the town council recommending approval, three objections - citing "increased crowds and traffic" and "Over concentration of HMO's in the area" - were among issues raised.

However, with no objections from statutory consultees, the scheme was recommended for approval subject to conditions.

A decision notice letter said: "Permission is hereby granted by East Suffolk Council."