Empty offices close to a coastal town centre look set for a new lease of life.

A bid to convert the vacant office near Lowestoft town centre into a house has been given the go-ahead.

East Suffolk Council granted the "prior approval" proposals from Oldman Properties Ltd for the former "office accommodation" at 30 Gordon Road, Lowestoft, last month.

Proposals centring around "Prior approval commercial to dwelling - Change of use from offices to single dwelling house" were submitted to the council by agents Wheatman Planning Limited on behalf of the applicant Oldman Properties Ltd in June.

It was given the green light last month with "Prior Approval Granted" under delegated powers.

The office space at 30 Gordon Road, Lowestoft has previously been used for office accommodation as it had been most recently occupied by a home care company.

But having been vacant since September last year, it will now become a five-bedroom single dwelling, according to the plans.

Alongside the bedrooms, the plans detail spaces for a kitchen, dining room, living room and a study.

A delegated report from the council's case officer said that "Prior Approval" is sought for the proposals seeking the change of use from office to a single dwelling house.

With the building of "early Edwardian construction" within "a highly sustainable location" close to Lowestoft town centre, the applicants said it would become "a three storey five bedroom house."

Lowestoft Town Council met in July to discuss the application, and they agreed to "recommend approval."

With no objections, the delegated report from the council's case officer concluded that "prior approval matters have been considered and granted." 

It added: "It is recommended that prior approval is granted."

With "prior approval granted" with conditions, a decision notice letter said: "Prior approval is hereby granted by East Suffolk Council.

"This means that the proposal is permitted development and does not require planning permission, subject to conditions."