Lowestoft: Work starts on new Milton Road housing development

Prominent former offices close to the town centre have been demolished with work under way as part of the development of six two-bedroom social rented homes.

The start of construction at the site of the former Shaw Trust offices in Milton Road East - which has been empty for more than three years - was marked during the ceremony last week.

The former Shaw Trust offices in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

In March last year, a new homes bid was unanimously approved by East Suffolk Council's planning committee north for a scheme that would see six new homes built to be available for affordable rent.

The former Shaw Trust offices on Milton Road East, Lowestoft now demolished. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Now work has begun on the six social rented, local authority managed homes that will include private rear gardens, air source heat pumps, electric vehicle chargers and solar photovoltaic panels.

The development will comprise six two-bedroom social rented homes managed by East Suffolk Council and allocated to eligible applicants on the housing register.

Off-road parking will also be provided for five cars, with the development project managed by Orwell Housing.

David Beavan, East Suffolk council's cabinet member for housing, said: "This terrace of new homes is a win, win, win.

"A win to provide really affordable two up, two downs ideal for young, growing families; a win for the planet, with insulation, solar PVs and heat pumps, and a win for Lowestoft, transforming a central location brownfield site.

"And it did not cost that much.

"We will see our money back in rent in less than 30 years."

Greg Dodds, assistant director of development at growth at Orwell Housing, said: "We are pleased to work with our partners East Suffolk to mark the start of another affordable housing development in the town."

Elliott Jones, contracts manager at Needhams Contracts Ltd, appointed main contractor for the site in May, said: "We are delighted to be appointed to construct these six new affordable homes in Lowestoft."