A town pub closed for more than three years looks set for a new lease of life.

Change of use plans to convert a former pub in Lowestoft into a shop have been given the green light.

It comes after fresh plans were lodged with East Suffolk Council for The Tudor Rose pub.

Previously New House and Rose Bowl, an earlier scheme for the former public house on St Peters Street was withdrawn earlier this year.

Having been closed for the past few years, agents ML Daws ltd, on behalf of applicant Asunka Rathnayaka lodged plans with the council in June for the Tudor Rose public house to be converted into a shop and also extended, to feature a house of multiple occupancy (HMO) for college students.

Centring around: "Change of use from a public house to a convenience store" and "Retrospective application for HMO", the scheme has been "permitted" under delegated powers by the council.

Under the proposals, it will see the ground floor of the old pub becoming a convenience store, with the upper floor being used as a five-bedroom HMO.

With the upper floor currently a residential space, this now has retrospective permission for that use.

A report from the council's case officer said: "The HMO is already in use and the convenience store is a proposed use.

"The existing HMO comprises five bedrooms with shared kitchen, dining, laundry room, and two bathrooms."

After the pub was sold in June 2021 for £250,000 through Lowestoft-based Langwrights Independent Estate Agents, it was purchased by the current owners.

A design and access statement said: "The former use as a public house appears unsustainable.

"The property is being used as an HMO and has been for several years, following a successful planning application the accommodation would be used solely to serve the marine college and their students."

With Lowestoft Town Council recommending approval, there was one objection to the plans, which cited limited parking in the area and amenity issues.

'Increasing opportunities'

The college responded to the application adding it presented an "excellent opportunity" for accommodation for its students.

With the site a few minutes walk from the East Coast College Lowestoft campus, the delegated report from the council's case officer added: "The proposed use of an HMO for student accommodation in connection with the nearby East Coast College is also considered to provide a public benefit with a community use.

"Officers are satisfied that this provides a form of accommodation genuinely needed by students."

In August, East Coast College said it has "identified a need for further accommodation" for its students in Lowestoft.

Paul Padda, principal and CEO of East Coast College, said the college has identified a need for further accommodation for its students. (Image: East Coast College) With a need for new student rooms to be created to meet an increased demand for places, Paul Padda, principal and chief executive of East Coast College, said it is supportive of "increasing opportunities for our learners".

Recommending the change of use plans for the former pub The Tudor Rose at 233 St Peters Street in Lowestoft for approval subject to conditions, a decision notice letter stated: "Permission is hereby granted by East Suffolk Council."