A former hotel and sheltered housing property that was transformed to help vulnerable people during the coronavirus crisis could be set for a new lease of life - provided plans get the go-ahead.

A scheme has been lodged that could see the vacant former hotel converted into flats for "short term occupancy."

Back in 2020 - the empty council property at Avenue Mansions on Royal Avenue in Lowestoft that was transformed to accommodate vulnerable people. Picture: East Suffolk CouncilBack in 2020 - the empty council property at Avenue Mansions on Royal Avenue in Lowestoft that was transformed to accommodate vulnerable people. Picture: East Suffolk Council (Image: Archant)

In 2020 East Suffolk Council brought an empty former housing property in Lowestoft back into use to accommodate those in need during the Covid-19 outbreak.

Now the vacant property, located at Avenue Mansions on Royal Avenue, could "provide short term accommodation" 

Plans have been submitted to East Suffolk Council for "the conversion of Avenue Mansions into 14 flats for short term occupancy."

Proposals centring around the removal of "later additions", restoring the front entrance, replacing front windows with new UPVC double-glazed units, insulate and render the exterior while retaining existing features, repairing the roof and gutters have been lodged for the property at 89 Royal Avenue, Lowestoft to "create 14 high-quality one and two-bedroom flats, all while reusing the existing building envelope to reduce the carbon footprint."

Plans lodged by agents Chaplin Farrant Ltd on behalf of the applicant Mr Hodges, for East Suffolk Council, proposed for the "currently unoccupied" three  storey building are "awaiting decision" with the council.

The deemed council development was lodged last month for the former Belle Vue Hotel, which was constructed at the turn of the last century and partially reconstructed following bomb damage during the war.

A design and access statement said the building was used as sheltered accommodation in the 1970s but was "deemed unsuitable and closed down" and closed in 2018/19, before it was previously used temporarily as rough sleeper accommodation during the Covid pandemic.

Now "currently disused and vacant," it adds: "The once attractive and prominent building looks tired and in need of refurbishment."

Internal works would see 14 flats - one and two beds - created over three floors.

With the scheme aiming to "create high quality much needed housing" it adds: "The building will be used for short term accommodation and residents are not expected to be there any longer than six months."

'Concerns identified'

But since the application was submitted on July 8 some concerns have been raised.

East Suffolk Council's design and heritage officer said: "I cannot support approval of this application, due to the negative impact in respect to the proposal will have on the North Lowestoft Conservation Area.

"This is caused by the proposals to externally insulate the north west elevation and replace the historic/timber windows with uPVC windows on the
front elevation of this positive unlisted building.

"However, the other elements of the proposal are considered acceptable."

Lowestoft Town Council's planning committee met on August 8 to consider the application and while in principle they were "supportive of the project," it was "agreed to endorse the East Suffolk Council Design and Heritage consultee response and maintain the holding objection, based on the concerns identified."

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