A modern residential unit has been designed as part of the new campus so students can live and study at the site.

A report supporting the planning application said: "The residential unit has been designed to be part of the campus but with an independent access. It will be possible for students living within the unit to make their way safely and independently between buildings."

Plaxtole House, in Goodwins Road, is to be flattened just nine months after it was refurbished following a devastating vandalism attack.

Around £150,000 damage was caused when youths went on a three-night rampage, smashing windows, computers and doors and destroying students' work. Severe flooding was also caused.

The centre was back up and running, with everything cleaned, repaired or replaced, within three months.

Miss Alison Gifford, chairman of Lynn Civic Society, said it would be a great shame to see the Victorian building torn down.

She said: "It is not in a conservation area, but we would object firmly to demolition. We think buildings should be re-used like everything else, especially when they are perfectly adequate and attractive."