East Suffolk Council

On 16 February, Waveney District Council's Planning Committee approved a planning application for the development on the former Oswald's Boatyard site at the north-west of Lake Lothing.

Renamed as 'Oswald's Marina', the development will transform the derelict 0.5 hectare site which has been unused for several years. The new building will comprise 75 residential units including a mixture of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, along with a coffee shop and commercial space for a restaurant. 

Cllr Michael Ladd, Waveney's cabinet member for Tourism, Economic Development and Rural Affairs said:

"This promising development will regenerate this area and provide a mix of much-needed housing, along with commercial opportunities and new library facilities. This modern building will improve the appearance of the area and benefit visitors and the local community."

Oswald's Marina, which sits within the western part of the Lake Lothing and Outer Harbour Area Action Plan (AAP), will be surrounded by a high-quality landscaped area offering public access to the waterfront, with a jetty and boat moorings, as well as under-storey car and cycle parking provision. The cycleway and pedestrian paths will also be redeveloped, improving connectivity to the surrounding area. 

In addition, the development will house a contemporary library whilst the existing library will be converted into housing.

James Powell, Marketing and Communications Manager for Suffolk Libraries said:

"This development will enable us to provide the local community with a more modern, attractive and vibrant library space to access our services. We can reassure customers that the move to the new library will take place before the current building is closed."

The development will be managed by Galliard Homes, who will now begin the construction phase.