An eight-bedroom house of multiple occupation (HMO) looks set to be created in Lowestoft.

It comes after change of use plans to turn a mid-terrace former Samaritans building near the town centre into an HMO was given the go-ahead.

A scheme centring around "Change of Use from residential to HMO" at 14, Beach Road in Lowestoft was given the green light last week.

The change of use plans submitted by agents Ian Garrett Building Design Ltd on behalf of the applicant Shreeve Property Ltd - which had been lodged with East Suffolk Council in October last year - were "permitted" under delegated powers.

The proposed eight bed house of multiple occupancy (HMO) property "is to be operated by a local registered provider, who provide support for people with a range of needs".

Situated not far from the town centre, the area is outside the town’s Flat Saturation Zone (FLZ).

The Samaritans of Lowestoft and Waveney had been based in Beach Road, Lowestoft since 1967 - but relocated to new premises in the Riverside Business Centre, Lowestoft last year.

A design and access statement submitted by agents said the property's current use is a "three storey and cellar office building," with the proposed use centring around "conversion to eight bedroom HMO with basement purely used for storage of HMO."

It added: "The reasons for the HMO accommodation, there is a need to develop more single person accommodation that is affordable.

"The aspirations of the proposals are to provide well managed rooms in shared house to support single people towards independence by providing a secure address and own space."

In November last year Lowestoft Town Council originally objected to the plans on the grounds of overdevelopment and a lack of additional parking spaces.

But it subsequently recommended approval of the application last month as it was not in the FLZ and Highways said the parking provision was adequate.

With no objections nor any third party letters of representation, the property will not be changed externally except for repairs and maintenance.

A delegated report from the council's case officer said: "The council is aware of the need for such forms of accommodation in the area."

Recommending the scheme for approval subject to conditions, a decision notice letter stated: "Permission is hereby granted by East Suffolk Council."