A new electric vehicle (EV) charging hub is set to be installed on a retail park after plans were given the green light.

CCTV cameras are also set to be introduced at the Gateway Retail Park in south Lowestoft after a scheme was given the go-ahead.

It comes after an application centring around "Installation of Electrical Vehicle (EV) charging upstands and associated infrastructure including CCTV, bollards, substation, underground cabling and all associated works" was approved for the retail park on Tower Road.

Lowestoft Journal: An EV charging point.An EV charging point.

The plans submitted by agents Savills on behalf of the applicant SSE Utility Solutions Limited were lodged with East Suffolk Council in March and "permitted" under delegated powers last week.

Having opened in May 2019 the retail park occupies a prominent 'gateway' location fronting the busy roundabout junction of the London Road (A12) with Tower Road.

Lowestoft Journal: Tyre tracks at the Gateway Retail Park. Picture: Mick HowesTyre tracks at the Gateway Retail Park. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

However, with concerns raised around car cruising meets and speeding motorists, it has led to anti-social drivers being banned from the retail park over the past couple of years.

Now proposals that will help "contribute to the need for an extensive network of charging infrastructure for all vehicles" has been approved.

The applicants said: "The proposed development will lead to no change in the quantity of parking spaces."

It will see six EV charging upstands built "extending to an area covering 10 parking bays" to the western edge of the car park, between Pizza Hut and Homebase, with another separate bay "within the centre of the car park."

Three ground mounted CCTV poles at various locations around the car park will "provide surveillance of the car park and EV charging points."

A delegated report from the council's case officer said: "The EV charging hub and ground mounted CCTV poles would be clearly visible from Tower Road, but within the context of a large, modern retail park the proposed design and changes to the layout are fairly minor in nature and are considered to be appropriately designed within this context."

With Gisleham Parish Council recommending approval and no objections received, a decision notice letter stated: "Permission is hereby granted by East Suffolk Council subject to conditions."