An office unit that has never been successfully let will become a two-bedroom flat after controversial plans were approved by a council. 

West Suffolk Council gave the green light to plans for Southernwood in Fordham Road, Newmarket, which comprises of two buildings containing 11 flats and the unused office space, on November 9. 

In a statement to the council, the applicant said: "Since the construction of the building, the owner has not been able to let the office space.

"The estate agent has advised that the office space is too small and does not work well as part of a residential development.

"They have considered other uses such as beauty salon, but concluded that this does not mix well with the domestic use of the rest of the building." 

The flat will be located on the ground floor and there will be minor alterations to the interior to provide two bedrooms. 

Access from Fordham Road will remain the same. 

Newmarket Town Council objected to the plans as they felt an accurate block plan was not provided and there would be inadequate parking provision.

The plans were approved on November 9.