A bid to transform an empty former bakery that was bombed during the war has been given the go-ahead.

Plans to convert the vacant property on the High Street in Lowestoft - which was damaged during a Second World War air raid - into a two-bed flat and office has been given the green light.

Developers lodged a scheme with East Suffolk Council in August that would see the historic shopfront at 58 High Street in Lowestoft retained as part of the conversion bid.

And with the plans "permitted" under delegated powers on Wednesday, October 16 the distinctive façade on the property will be kept.

Plans to transform the vacant former bakery at 58 High Street in Lowestoft have been approved. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes) Documents submitted by the applicants MS Oakes Securities Ltd said that the premises - including the bakery - had been for sale since October last year until they recently bought them.

The site is one of many boarded up shops in Lowestoft which has seen it previously dubbed a 'zombie town' - with more than a quarter of stores boarded up.

The former bakery at 58 High Street, Lowestoft in days gone by. Picture: Historic EnglandThe former bakery at 58 High Street, Lowestoft in days gone by. Picture: Historic England (Image: Historic England)

Prior to becoming a bakers in the late 1950s, it used to be a grocers - dating back to around 1850 - with the International Tea Company Stores Ltd operating from 58 High Street.

The rear of the building at 58 High Street, Lowestoft after the raid of February 15, 1941. Picture: Courtesy of Bob CollisThe rear of the building at 58 High Street, Lowestoft after the raid of February 15, 1941. Picture: Courtesy of Bob Collis (Image: Courtesy of Bob Collis) Aviation historian Bob Collis said that in the early hours of February 15, 1941 four large German HE bombs were dropped - with one falling in Whapload Road, and three at the back of premises in the High Street.

One fell in a garden at the rear of 58 High Street, with a second HE bomb falling near the International Stores premises which "were partially demolished" as Rosina Smith - an ARP warden - and her husband William were killed.

A delegated report said the retail unit is "currently vacant and bordered up" adding "the reinstatement of the ground floor unit would enliven the frontage, increasing footfall at this location."