A housing scheme that will sweep away 18 garages in Gorleston was approved by planners this week.The borough council's development control committee heard on Tuesday that although in a good state of repair the garages in Clare Avenue - like most of those on the Magdalen Estate - were underused.

A housing scheme that will sweep away 18 garages in Gorleston was approved by planners this week.

The borough council's development control committee heard on Tuesday that although in a good state of repair the garages in Clare Avenue - like most of those on the Magdalen Estate - were underused.

Chris Dove of Community Housing said one had been vacant for eight years, five others for some time, three were used for storage, eight for cars and one for a motorbike. Alternative garages - in some cases closer to homes - could be found for all of them.

They will be replaced by a pair of “semi's” and attached bungalow with four parking bays.

Ward councillor Patricia Page said: “The comment I get most is about parking on the verges. And I would like to know why you have not got people to use these garages. Are they too dear? Why are they not being used?”

Mr Dove said: “All our garages are underused. People just do not use them so much these days as modern cars do not rust the same.”

Objector Michael De'Ath said blocked drains were a problem at the site forcing some tenants out of the garages. He added that locals did not park on the approach road because of vandalism. He was assured drainage problems would be resolved by the developer.

The plans were approved with one abstention - Mrs Page.