A planning application to build 23 affordable homes and a public green area in the centre of Lowestoft is to be discussed by Waveney District Council next week.

The council's development control committee will be looking on Tuesday night at a plan for 11 terraced houses and 12 flats by the town hall.

If approved, a car park, a terrace of seven houses and a number of prefabricated structures used as council offices will be demolished on the site between the High Street and White Horse Street to make way for the new homes, which would have 18 car parking spaces.

Each of the terraced houses would have a garden with sheds and wheelie bins would be stored off street on a small pathway at the back of the gardens.

There would also be a public green space created with trees being planted there.

A design and access statement in the planning application, which has been submitted by Chris Dove, says: 'There is an identified need for affordable housing units on site and the proposed provision of two, three, four and five person units provides a wide range of housing needs.

'The proposed public open space given to the High Street will reinforce the series of urban squares already established.'

District council planning officers have recommended the planning application be approved by the committee. A report says the scheme ties in with the principle of regeneration for the area and the open area would help preserve the character of the High Street.

The report says: 'The proposed development of 23 affordable residential units would make a welcome contribution to the redevelopment of this part of north Lowestoft.'

anthony.carroll@archant.co.uk