'Increased need' for HMO student properties in Lowestoft

Two separate change of use bids are currently awaiting potential approval that could see a nine-bed house of multiple occupation (HMO) and a five-bedroom HMO for students created in Lowestoft.

An additional two separate schemes to create student accommodation at Commercial Road and Milton Road East in Lowestoft were both given the go-ahead by East Suffolk Council in December last year and last week respectively.

It comes as East Coast College has "identified a need for further accommodation" for its students in Lowestoft.

Paul Padda, principal and chief executive of East Coast College. Picture: East Coast College (Image: East Coast College)

Paul Padda, principal and chief executive of East Coast College, said it is supportive of "increasing opportunities for our learners" having identified a need for further accommodation for students, "particularly those on our Maritime study programmes in Lowestoft."

Mr Padda said: "These learners are undertaking high-level training up to Level 5 within our Energy Skills Centre, with further plans to increase our provision to offer degree-level courses in this area for the future.

"With learner numbers due to increase further, and plans for a new maritime cadet programme, the college will see an increased need for local and appropriate accommodation to support our students in their training and careers."

Recent applications lodged with East Suffolk Council - both which are "awaiting decision" - have seen developers bidding to convert properties in Lowestoft into student accommodation.

The existing front elevation of the property at 5 Battery Green Road, Lowestoft which could become a new nine-bed HMO. Picture: True Blue Architecture Ltd (Image: True Blue Architecture Ltd)

Change of use plans could see offices at 5 Battery Green Road in Lowestoft converted into student accommodation "due to the increased demand in the area," according to the design and access statement.

The scheme could see a new nine-bedroom HMO created at the two-and-a-half storey mid-terrace property, after plans were lodged by agents True Blue Architecture Ltd for applicant Mr Daniel Shreeve, on behalf of Shreeve Property Ltd.

Change of use plans for a town pub that has been closed for more than three years have also been lodged with the council.

The former Tudor Rose pub in Lowestoft. PHOTO: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2011)

The Tudor Rose public house on St Peters Street, Lowestoft could be converted into a shop and also extended, to feature a HMO for college students.

Last week, East Suffolk Council approved change of use plans to create a new small HMO for up to five students at 30 Milton Road East in Lowestoft, with change of use plans to turn a two storey residential flat into a five bedroom HMO at 3A Commercial Road in Lowestoft given the go-ahead last year.