Plans to convert the ground floor of a former Lowestoft restaurant and bar into hotel rooms have been backed my councillors.
Lowestoft Town Council's planning and environment committee discussed the application for the former Winelodge site on the Esplanade last night, and unanimously recommended it for approval.
Chairman of the committee, Alice Taylor said: 'I don't see any objections. We are taking a commercial building and we are obligated under the local plan to preserve as many hotel rooms for tourists as we possibly can.'
The Winelodge shut its doors in 2016 but the building was purchased by the nearby Hatfield Hotel, run by Best Western Hotels.
The plans will see five ensuite hotel bedrooms added to the Hatfield Hotel, replacing the defunct bar and restaurant rooms.
Three of the five rooms will replace the main restaurant space, with two rooms situated where Winelodge's kitchen, store, and ladies' toilets used to be.
The application will now go to Waveney District Council's planning committee for approval.
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