East Suffolk Council
Have your say on housing at former factory site
Plans are being developed for the future of a former industrial site in Lowestoft and local residents are invited to give their views on what potential housing is required.
East Suffolk Council is developing a new plan for the former Sanyo and Survitec factory sites, located on the south side of Lake Lothing, in an area known as Kirkley Waterfront.
The site forms part of the Kirkley Waterfront and Sustainable Urban Neighbourhood scheme, which focuses on regenerating the area to provide housing and jobs for local people.
Most of the site has stood vacant since 2009, with East Suffolk’s predecessor Waveney District Council acquiring the land in 2018 as part of its approach to accelerate the development of land in central areas of Lowestoft, intervening where the private sector had been unwilling or unable to proceed due to significant viability and market failure issues.
Last year, the Council was awarded Government funding of over £4.2m to remove the ground contamination left on site after the factories were demolished, and to prepare a new plan for how the sites should be used.
Residents and businesses are now being invited to give their views about housing need in the area, and what factors the Council should consider before the plans are created, such as the need for cycling and walking routes and green open spaces.
An online survey has opened today (Wednesday 10 July) and will run until 6 August.
People are also invited to attend a consultation event which will take place at St Marks C of E Church, Bridge Road, Lowestoft, NR33 9JM on Wednesday 17 July 2024 between 3pm and 7pm.
Cllr David Beavan, East Suffolk’s cabinet member for Housing said: “This council-owned site offers an opportunity to meet housing need locally but has many challenges from future tidal flooding and contaminated land. Traffic is already heavy on Victoria Road, and we will need more GP surgery provision.
“We are keen for more sustainable, net zero housing that provides lower bills that we will not have to retrofit a few years later.
“We are determined to get the balance right and ask people to help us in this genuine consultation through the online survey, or at the drop-in event on 17 July. We are listening.”