A bid to extend a holiday park near Lowestoft with 86 additional caravans has been approved by councillors.

The scheme, which will see an expansion of Pakefield Holiday Park, came before East Suffolk Council's planning committee north on Tuesday (September 12).

Park Holidays UK Ltd, which owns the business, will now build a new access and main site entrance off the A12, new entrance buildings and a clubhouse facility, as well as 86 additional static holiday caravans.

The plans were delayed last month after councillors voted to visit the site.

The committee heard that the existing holiday park has lost 23 caravan pitches to coastal erosion.

Case officer Matthew Gee told the committee that the proposal would ensure the long-term future of the holiday park.

East Anglian Daily Times: A view of proposed Central Facilities Building and dining terrace viewed from the south-west. A view of proposed Central Facilities Building and dining terrace viewed from the south-west. (Image: Laurie Wood Associates)

The plans had received 24 letters of support but also faced 60 objections which raised concerns about the new access entrance, an increase in traffic, as well as noise from the clubhouse and the proximity of the caravans to the existing homes on Jubilee Road.

Councillor Malcolm Pitchers told the meeting that when the application first came before the committee he was "extremely worried", especially about the site access off the A12.

He was still concerned about the 40mph speed limit on that stretch of road but the developer had mostly addressed his concerns, he said. 

READ MORE: Residents ponder news that high-rise block of flats may be demolished

Tim Harrison, who has lived on Jubilee Road for 42 years, told the committee that the proposed access off the A12 was "an accident waiting to happen".

He also said the site, which has been left abandoned for two years, could instead be turned into a park, and asked the councillors to reject the application. 

But the committee voted to approve the bid - with one abstention.

Chairperson Sarah Plummer concluded the matter by expressing hope that residents of Jubilee Road and Park Holidays can develop a positive relationship.