Plans for a new development of 500 houses in Lowestoft have been displayed to the public.

The proposal for the former Jeld Wen factory site were showcased at an exhibition at East Coast Pavilion on Wednesday, February 14.

The scheme would see all existing on-site buildings demolished and the construction of up to 500 residential dwellings, a mix of houses and apartments from one to four-bedrooms.

Plans also include up to 3.2 hectares of employment land and the associated access, infrastructure and landscaping for the land off Waveney Drive. 

Lowestoft Journal: Tom Nicholson, left, senior adviser at Statuslist, speaks to a member of the public at an exhibition of plans to build 500 houses in Lowestoft.Tom Nicholson, left, senior adviser at Statuslist, speaks to a member of the public at an exhibition of plans to build 500 houses in Lowestoft. (Image: Mick Howes)

Members of Statuslist Ltd - the Birmingham-based company which owns the land - and Pegasus Group, a development consultancy, met with residents at the exhibition.

There have been concerns about where the jobs will come from to support the residents of the proposed homes.

Lowestoft Journal: The plans for the redevelopment of the former Jeld Wen factory site in Lowestoft.The plans for the redevelopment of the former Jeld Wen factory site in Lowestoft. (Image: Pegasus Group)

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But Tom Nicholson, senior adviser with Statuslist, said the development would "provide opportunities for different forms of employment".

It is envisaged the proposed employment land, which looks over Lake Lothing, would support jobs in general industry and storage and distribution.

Mr Nicholson said the development could play a part in "kickstarting" Lowestoft's economy.

Lowestoft Journal: People looking at plans for the development of 500 houses at the Jeld Wen factory site in Lowestoft.People looking at plans for the development of 500 houses at the Jeld Wen factory site in Lowestoft. (Image: Mick Howes)

He also said there are proposals for increasing capacity at existing schools or building a new one to cope with the extra demand the houses would create.

Last month's announcement that the final phase of the town's flood tidal barrier has been halted due to a funding gap would not have an impact on the plans.

Mr Nicholson said the developer would raise the land on the site to minimise the risk of inundation.

An application for outline planning permission will be submitted to East Suffolk Council this spring.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The site has been vacant for some time and has been identified by East Suffolk Council for redevelopment as part of the wider Kirkley Waterfront Sustainable Urban Neighbourhood.