Six affordable homes at Corner Of Elim Terrace And Factory Street, Lowestoft

What was proposed

The application proposed six new two-bedroom affordable homes, with parking for twelve vehicles opposite the dwellings.

“Proposal 3.1. Planning permission is sought for the construction of 6no. new build two bedroom terraced and semi-detached affordable homes.”

“On the opposite side of Elim Terrace to the proposed dwellings will be parking for 12 vehicles (2 per dwelling).”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The vacant site was a former garage area within Lowestoft’s settlement boundary, beside housing, a conservation area and a listed building.

“To the north of the application site is the boundary of the Conservation Area, with Crown Street Hall which is a Grade II listed building situated opposite the proposed development site. It was built in 1812 and was originally a theatre. The principal elevation fronts Crown Street West so the elevation that faces the site is the rear elevation which has a plainer, red brick finish with render at ground floor.”

“The proposed development site is also adjacent to the Crown Street West character area of the North Lowestoft Conservation Area, the boundary of which runs along the northern side of Factory Street. The former Crown Brush Factory, which has a frontage along the northern side of Factory Street, is identified as a positive unlisted building. The character area is described in the Conservation Area Appraisal as follows:”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The town council supported the homes, highways raised parking-allocation concerns without objecting overall, and other consultees raised no objections subject to conditions.

“Consultee Date consulted Date reply received Lowestoft Town Council 15 July 2026 5 August 2026 Summary of comments: The Planning Committee of Lowestoft Town Council considered this application at a meeting on 5 August 2026.”

“Consultee Date consulted Date reply received SCC Highways Department 15 July 2026 4 August 2026 Summary of comments: No objections but advised that the development provides an excess of visitor parking, while allocating only one vehicle parking space per dwelling rather than the two spaces required. They have recommended that some visitor spaces be reallocated to residents; however, the scheme is acceptable in principle.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant’s agent explained the revised design and energy aims, while councillors discussed delivery, energy measures and construction arrangements.

Members’ debate

Members welcomed the affordable, energy-efficient homes and discussed construction timing, council trades, solar panels, roof integration and parking conditions.

“Councillor Beavan was really pleased with the proposal, welcoming the delivery of six affordable homes incorporating solar panels, heat pumps and battery storage. He said they were having discussions with an energy provider aimed to help tenants benefit from lower energy bills while also generating a return for the Council, and said the scheme represented the type of housing East Suffolk Council should be delivering.”

“Councillor Beavan asked whether additional solar panels could be installed on the roofs. The applicant’s agent responded that this could be explored further as the scheme progressed. Councillor Beavan suggested that additional solar panels could potentially be installed on the roofs.”

Minutes

The vote

Councillor Plummer proposed granting permission, Councillor Ashdown seconded, and Councillor Beavan abstained as Cabinet Member.

“On the proposition of Councillor Plummer, seconded by Councillor Ashdown it was…”

Minutes