New bid to turn Lowestoft home into HMO for asylum seekers

Change of use plans have again been submitted for a seven-bedroom, mid terrace property in Kirkley, south Lowestoft.

A new scheme proposes to use the property at 47 London Road South "as accommodation for asylum seekers" in an eight-bedroom House of Multiple Occupancy (HMO).

Change of use plans have been lodged for the property at 47 London Road South, Kirkley in Lowestoft. Picture: Principle Design (Image: Principle Design)

It comes after previous change of use plans to convert the property into a nine-bedroom HMO were turned down following numerous objections.

In May, East Suffolk Council refused those plans under delegated powers, ruling the application was "contrary to relevant policies."

Now, a fresh bid has been submitted to East Suffolk Council, with proposals lodged once more by agents Principle Design, on behalf of the applicant Patrice Elonge.

Plans centring around "Change of use from residential dwelling" to "House of Multiple Occupancy use (8 Bedrooms)" are currently "awaiting decision" with the council.

A design and access statement said the application is to "convert an existing property currently being used as an unlawful house in multiple occupancy to a lawful house in multiple occupancy containing eight bedrooms".

The proposed floor plans for 47 London Road South, Kirkley in Lowestoft. Picture: Principle Design (Image: Principle Design)

A heritage statement adds: "The proposed works are to install an additional floor for occupation within the existing loft area, and two rooflights at the NE side of the property.

"There are bedrooms proposed to be a two-person room at 11sq m, and a one-person room at 7.2 sq m, with a shared bathroom."

With the property to undergo a "full programme of refurbishment" as "the current condition of 47 London Road South is poor and run down," the design and access statement adds: "The development will result in an eight bedroom house of multiple occupancy, fully refurbished to a high level.

"The property will be used as accommodation for asylum seekers (vulnerable tenants).

"Once completed, the property will be manged by Serco who will fully maintain the property and provide accommodation for asylum seekers.

"An approval of this application will provide this unused building with a financial lifeline."

 Four locals have already lodged objections to the scheme.