Transformation of a historic town hall site has moved another significant step forward as revamp plans are being earmarked for approval next week.

With plans centring around "restoration and extension" of the Grade II listed Lowestoft Town Hall "to form a heritage hub, café, gallery, community event space, Town Council office, and registrar offices" applications for listed building consent and full planning permission were lodged with East Suffolk Council in May.

A scheme submitted by agents HAT Projects on behalf of the applicant Lowestoft Town Council will be voted on at a meeting of East Suffolk Council's planning committee north on Tuesday.

Councillors will be told planning officers recommend approval of the proposed full application an associated listed building consent application, subject to conditions.

The landmark Town Hall in Lowestoft has been vacant and unoccupied since spring 2015.

Owned by Lowestoft Town Council (LTC) since 2017, it could open its doors once more in two years time.

With the two schemes to be voted on next week, a planning report to councillors states: "It is considered that the proposed works would have a neutral to beneficial impact on the special interest of the Grade II listed building."

With no objections to the schemes, it adds: "The Town Hall is a local landmark within the oldest part of Lowestoft, due to its scale, prominence, campanile-style clock tower, and architectural quality.

"Its history of civic use contributes very importantly to the landmark status of the building."

In recommending that planning permission be granted subject to conditions, the council's case officer's report to councillors concludes: "The proposed development would repurpose a landmark, historic building within Lowestoft for uses appropriate to the heritage context and town centre location.

"Significant public benefits would arise from the proposals which would revitalise and sustain the landmark building, so that it can be enjoyed by existing and future generations."

The recommendations are for "planning permission be approved, subject to conditions" and "listed building consent be granted, subject to conditions."