Offices overlooking a town's harbour could be converted into new apartments, provided plans get the go-ahead.

New residential apartments could be unveiled at office space on the first and second floors of an historic building.

Plans could see existing offices overlooking a harbour and the trawler basin - not far away from Lowestoft town centre - transformed.

The prior notification proposals for Columbus House, at 16 Waveney Road in Lowestoft, which are currently "awaiting decision", were lodged with East Suffolk Council last month.

A scheme centring around "Conversion of existing office space on first and second floors into residential apartments" - with the office space at the ground floor to remain - has been proposed.

The plans submitted by agents Ian Garrett Building Design Ltd on behalf of the applicant Ashley Hunn, for Boston Putford Offshore Safety Ltd, were lodged with East Suffolk Council.

A design and access statement from the applicants said: "The building will provide apartment accommodation for four dwellings."

With the existing site consisting of a ground, first and second storey building, office accommodation is said to "have operated for many years at this location with the applicants".

It adds: "However they need to reduce the current office space to that to the direct east of the application site, with a full internal refurbishment program being necessary, as they operate here and multiple sites/ports around the UK and Europe."

The historic building is understood to have been taken over by Boston Deep Sea Fisheries, part of Putfords, in the 1950s.

With "no alteration to the external features of the building" proposed for 16 Waveney Road, the building contains two large murals at second floor level showcasing the historic maritime character of the area.

Dating back to 1907, the mosaics show Columbus’ galleons, the 'Nina', 'Pinta' and the 'Santa Maria' under sail.

It adds: "The change of use offers apartments within the town centre in line with the Local Plan and Lowestoft Town Centre Masterplan."

With Lowestoft Town Council discussing the application at a meeting earlier this month, they recommended approval, with a final decision to be made by East Suffolk Council.