Contemporary new home earmarked for former RNLI social club

A new lease of life is being earmarked for a vacant former RNLI social club, which has been empty for a number of years.

Close to the seafront on Links Road in north Lowestoft, it was originally constructed as public toilets but was for many years used as the former Lowestoft Lifeboat Crew Association social club building.

The derelict building on Links Road, Lowestoft. Picture: Mole Architects (Image: Mole Architects)

After a vision for the site had previously "received planning approval" to be transformed into a restaurant and two, three storey holiday homes the planning conditions for the site "lapsed" – leading to the building being offered for sale at auction.

In July last year the vacant single storey building described as "storage" was expected to fetch between £30,000 to £50,000 as it went under the hammer - but after being marketed by Auction House East Anglia and offered in association with Steel and Co it sold for £106,000.

Now a "high quality building" has been proposed to enhance and make "effective reuse of this currently vacant and deteriorating site."

The proposal for the derelict former RNLI building on Links Road, Lowestoft. Picture: Mole Architects (Image: Mole Architects)

Plans centring around "Demolition of an existing single storey building previously used as Lowestoft RNLI Lifeboat Crew Association social club" to be "replaced with a new build detached private dwelling," are "awaiting decision" after being lodged with East Suffolk Council last month.

A design and access statement from agents Mole Architects Ltd, on behalf of applicants Mr and Mrs Power, said the "redevelopment of the Old Lifeboatman's social club" is proposing "a new, contemporary, low energy single family dwelling."

It adds: "Our proposal will provide a high quality building finely attuned and inspired by the local character of the area.

"The building is inspired by the historical context of Lowestoft’s smoke houses and gable fronted houses in the area.

"The proposal improves upon an underutilised site in the local area.

"The current dilapidated clubhouse occupies a prominent position and detracts significantly from the locality."

A decision is likely to be made by East Suffolk Council in the coming weeks.