Approval for fire damaged Lowestoft flats and businesses

A scheme to restore a fire damaged "commercial and residential property" in Lowestoft has been given the go-ahead.

The scene of the blaze on Lowestoft High Street back in June. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Plans centring around "reinstatement of fire damaged commercial and residential property, two storey Victorian building with double shop front and six self-contained flats at first floor and second floor within roof space levels" at 144 and 145 High Street have been approved.

It comes after the blaze gutted seven flats above businesses on the historic High Street in Lowestoft in June last year - leaving occupants homeless and forcing traders beneath to close.

The scene of the blaze on Lowestoft High Street back in June. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

With plans submitted by Studio C Architects Ltd on behalf of the applicant East Suffolk Properties - the property owners of 144 and 145 High Street - lodged with East Suffolk Council in February, they were "permitted" under delegated powers this week.

A design and access statement said: "The property was directly impacted by the domestic flat fire incident that quickly spread through the roof of the building from the host first floor flat at the rear of 144."

The aftermath of the blaze that tore through flats off Lowestoft's High Street. Picture: Bruno Brown (Image: Bruno Brown)

A delegated report from the council's case officer said: "The building was previously in a mixed commercial and residential use, it is a two storey Victorian building with double shop front and six self-contained flats at first floor and second floor within roof space levels.

"The use of the property is not proposed to be changed.

"The building suffered significant fabric and structural damage in a fire in June 2023.

"This application seeks remedial works to reinstate the property on a close, like-for-like basis.

Scaffolding installed on Lowestoft High Street following the major blaze. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

"The only external modifications are the removal of the central chimney within 145 and that the three dormer windows are reinstated uniformly as flat roof dormers."

With Lowestoft Town Council recommending approval and no objections received, it added: "Overall, the proposal will preserve the character and appearance of the Conservation Area."

The proposed reinstatement elevations - front and side elevations - for 144 and 145 High Street, Lowestoft. Picture: Studio C Architects Ltd (Image: Studio C Architects Ltd)

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

Major blaze

The fire started in one of the flats above Vin-Tro and High Street Furnishings shops at 144 High Street in Lowestoft on June 3, with 13 fire crews spending two-and-a-half hours tackling the flames at the height of the blaze.

Two people were rescued from the roof of the building, however investigations into the blaze and a possible arson probe were closed as Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service said the cause of the fire was "undetermined" and police said there was "no clear evidence of arson" behind the blaze.

Chris and Sarah O'Dwyer, owners of High Street Furnishings in Lowestoft. Picture: The O'Dwyer family/Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

Last October, the owners of one of the shops affected - High Street Furnishings - said they would be reopening in November after they "lost everything in the fire".