A new lease of life has been earmarked for a large former retail store that has been closed two years - after amended plans were lodged.

Port owners ABP had earmarked new "port and port related use" for the former Quality Discounts (QD) site in Lowestoft.

Change of use and non illuminated advertisement applications were first submitted for the former retail chain store at Unit A on Commercial Road in Lowestoft in November last year.

But after concerns were raised over access into the site, amendments have now been lodged.

Agents Adams Hendry Consulting Limited - on behalf of the applicant Associated British Ports (ABP) - had submitted two schemes, centring around: "Change of use of former retail site to port and port-related use" and associated works, along with the non illuminated advertisement application to East Suffolk Council for the former retail chain store that closed in July 2022.

In April last year the Port of Lowestoft owner ABP said it had completed the purchase of the 1.5 acre site as it wanted to "improve the vitality of the port-side location".

The former QD store at the Port of Lowestoft which had been snapped up by port owners AB Ports. Picture: ABPThe former QD store at the Port of Lowestoft which had been snapped up by port owners AB Ports. Picture: ABP (Image: ABP)

A planning, design and access statement said: "The proposals comprise the change of use of the site from retail to port use together with minimal works to facilitate the change of use."

However, the Highways Authority lodged a holding objection amid concerns over the "redesigned entrance angle" for the proposals and "the request for a further access (exit) onto Commercial Road at this location."

And while "in principle" Lowestoft Town Council "were in support of the application", its planning committee "agreed to recommend refusal of the application as presented".

It led to the agents submitting "amendments to the proposals" earlier this month, consisting of a "realigned proposed vehicle access into the site from Commercial Road" as well as "an area of landscaping."

Lowestoft Town Council is set to discuss the amended plans this Thursday, with East Suffolk Council due to make a final decision in the coming weeks.