THE views of businesses and residents in Lowestoft are being sought as part of an 'exciting vision' for the development of the waterfront.

Major plans to transform swathes of brownfield and waterfront locations around Lowestoft have been unveiled – with more than 1,500 new houses and 1,000 new jobs within the next 15 years earmarked.

Published today, proposals for the harbour, Lake Lothing and Kirkley waterfront areas – which were first drawn up after consultations with stakeholders and the public in March 2006 – are available to view, prior to the final submission to the secretary of state in January 2011.

The latest 'proposed submission' version of the Area Action Plan – which will be available to view online, in person and at exhibitions – has been prepared by Waveney District Council and the Urban Regeneration Company 1st East.

Promoting the regeneration of the Lake Lothing and the Outer Harbour area in Lowestoft, the AAP sets out the framework for the development of the scheme on prime brownfield and waterfront locations.

And in the next month, Waveney is seeking representations prior to submission to the secretary of state.

Waveney's strategic director, Stephen Archer, said: 'The Area Action Plan reflects a shared ambition to enhance and renew a wide area of Lowestoft.'

Among this major blueprint is the 'provision of 1,585 new homes' within the AAP area, with the main residential development focused within the Kirkley Waterfront and the new Sustainable Urban Neighbourhood (SUN).

This has been earmarked within 59 hectares of land and includes a 'continuing care retirement community, primary school, marina facilities, a hotel, retail, restaurants, bars and cafes' on the south bank of Lake Lothing between the waterfront and Victoria Road/Waveney Drive.

Policies on employment, economy, housing, retail, environment, heritage and transport are all addressed with six major areas of Lowestoft under consideration – PowerPark; Peto Square; Kirkley Waterfront and the new Sustainable Urban Neighbourhood (SUN); East of England Park; Kirkley Rise and Other Development Sites.

All views and comments must be submitted by 5pm on December 17. A public hearing for the document is scheduled for April next year, and the council is holding a public exhibition at the Marina Customer Service Centre next Thursday, with officers on hand to answer questions between 3pm and 6pm.

Representations can be made online via www.consult.waveney.gov.uk with hard copy representation forms and accompanying guidance notes available to download via www.waveney.gov.uk/LDF or these can be obtained by calling 01502 523029.