A new 66-bedroom care home is to be built on the empty site that was last used as a garden centre.

Indicative 3D views of the new 66-bed care home on London Road, Kessingland near Lowestoft. Image: Condy Lofthouse Architects (Image: Condy Lofthouse Architects)

A scheme that earmarks "high-quality, purpose-built care and nursing accommodation" will see a two-storey 66-bed residential care home created at the former Ashley Nurseries site, on London Road in Kessingland, near Lowestoft.

Plans lodged with East Suffolk Council in June last year for the "construction of care home" at the vacant site were approved under delegated powers last week.

An application from agents Bidwells on behalf of the applicant Mr Muj Malik, for the Kingsley Healthcare Group, was "permitted" last Friday.

Indicative 3D views of the new 66-bed care home on London Road, Kessingland near Lowestoft. Image: Condy Lofthouse Architects (Image: Condy Lofthouse Architects)

Documents said the development proposed construction of a care home with associated highways, drainage and landscaping works on behalf of a "family owned care home group" whose head office is based in Lowestoft.

It added: "The site comprises approximately 1.02 hectares (2.5 acres) of land east of London Road (B1437) Kessingland, which is mostly brownfield land, last used as a garden nursery centre.

"The site has been derelict for approximately 20 years."

Comprising a "traditional care home", with individual rooms within a residential building, it adds: "As well as providing 66 bedrooms, each with an ensuite bathroom, the new building will also provide a café, hair salon and cinema room for the use of residents and their visitors."

Indicative aerial views of the new 66-bed care home on London Road, Kessingland near Lowestoft. Image: Condy Lofthouse Architects (Image: Condy Lofthouse Architects)

Communal dining and lounge areas would feature along with offices and staff facilities.

It added: "It is estimated that the home will employ over 100 people in the local area."

Four objections - centring around sewerage issues across the village and flood impacts - and four comments in support were received.

A delegated report from the council's case officer said there has been "limited interest in the site" over the years.

It added: "The proposed use would contribute to meeting an unmet need for development in the area.

"Economically the proposal is estimated to employ 100 people as well as supporting local small businesses.

"In the short-term construction jobs will also be created."

© Eastern Daily Press