A hairdressers and three-bed property near a town centre could be turned into housing for asylum seekers, provided plans get the go-ahead.

A new scheme has been lodged that could see another home in the Lowestoft area potentially converted into a house of multiple occupancy (HMO) property for asylum seekers.

Change of use plans were submitted to East Suffolk Council last month to convert the property at 12 Beach Road in Lowestoft into an eight-bedroom HMO which "will be used as accommodation for asylum seekers".

Plans centring around "Change of use of existing property, from hairdressers at ground floor and residential apartment at first and second floor, to eight-bedroom house of multiple occupancy" are "awaiting decision" with the council.

A design and access statement submitted by agents Principle Design, on behalf of the applicant Patrice Elonge, seeks to covert the property at 12 Beach Road "into an eight-bedroom HMO."

It said: "The property will be used as accommodation for asylum seekers (vulnerable tenants).

"Once completed, the property will be managed by Serco who will fully maintain the property and provide accommodation for asylum seekers."

With the property currently consisting of a "three bedroom residential apartment at upper floor levels and a hairdressers at ground floor level," it said 12 Beach Road "would benefit from modernisation."

It adds: "As a result of this proposal being approved, the property will undergo a full internal and external program of refurbishment.

"At present, the appearance of 12 Beach Road, has a detrimental and negative effect on the conservation area.

"An approval of this application will provide this unused building with a financial lifeline".

Since the application was submitted on July 1 two people have supported the plans, with one objection lodged, while Lowestoft Town Council's planning committee said: "It was agreed to recommend refusal of the application as it was contrary to the Waveney Local Plan on HMOs in conservation areas and the application did not demonstrate exceptional circumstances."

A decision is likely to be made by East Suffolk Council in the coming weeks.