Timber windows and shopfronts at 99-99A High Street, Lowestoft

What was proposed

The application proposed replacing upper-floor aluminium windows with timber sashes and altering the ground-floor shopfronts.

“1.Summary 1.1.This application seeks permission for the replacement of modern aluminium windows at first and second floor level with traditional timber sash windows and alterations to the shopfronts at ground floor level. The site lies within the North Lowestoft Conservation Area and comprises a Positive Unlisted Building that contributes to the historic character of the High Street.”

“2.Site Description 2.1.The site comprises a three-storey mid-19th-century building located on the east side of High Street, within the North Lowestoft Conservation Area. The property dates from around 1866 and was designed by William Oldham Chambers for A. Adams, a grocer and provision merchant.”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered that traditional windows and improved shopfront detailing would restore the building and enhance the conservation area.

“7.5.National Planning Policy Framework 2024 8.Planning Considerations 8.1.The North Lowestoft Conservation Area Character Appraisal identifies the High Street as retaining a notable collection of late 19th and early 20th-century shopfronts and upper- floor detailing. No. 99 High Street is a Positive Unlisted Building that contributes to this character, but its architectural integrity has been compromised by modern aluminium windows and unsympathetic shopfront alterations.”

“8.4.National policy in the NPPF requires great weight to be given to the conservation of heritage assets (paragraphs 199-202). The proposals will enhance the significance of the building and the conservation area and deliver public benefits through heritage-led regeneration, improved townscape quality, and support for local economic activity.”

Officer report

What consultees said

No third-party representations were received, the town council made no comments, and ecology officers raised no objections.

“The use of the premises as retail units with residential above remains unchanged. 4.Consultations Third Party Representations 4.1.No-third party letters of representation have been received at the time of writing. Consultee Responses ConsulteeDate consultedDate reply received Lowestoft Town Council5 December 2025No response Summary of comments: 136”

“No comments received at time of writing. ConsulteeDate consultedDate reply received East Suffolk Ecology5 December 202517 December 2025 Summary of comments: No objections. 5.Publicity The application has been the subject of the following press advertisement: PublicationPublished dateExpiry dateReason Beccles and Bungay Journal 12 December 20257 January 2026Conservation Area Lowestoft Journal12 December 20257 January 2026Conservation Area 6.Site notices Site Notice TypeDate…”

Officer report

Who presented the application

An Assistant Planning Officer or Planner presented the application and showed photographs and existing and proposed elevations.

The committee vote

Councillor Gee proposed approval, Councillor Hammond seconded it, and the committee agreed unanimously.

“On the proposal of Councillor Gee, seconded by Councillor Hammond it was unanimously…”

“That planning permission is granted subject to the full outcome of the consultation period being presented to committee.”

Minutes