Views sought on 350 homes former factory sites in Lowestoft

A waterfront regeneration scheme could provide much needed future housing with 350 new homes earmarked to be built on brownfield land in south Lowestoft.

The former Sanyo security hut at the factory site in south Lowestoft earmarked for 350 new homes. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Plans are now being developed for the former Sanyo and Survitec factory sites - with the views of locals being sought on what potential housing is required.

Televisions being produced at Sanyo in Lowestoft.

It comes after a Government grant worth more than £4.2million was awarded to East Suffolk Council last year to help pave the way for the future development on the south side of Lake Lothing.

An old sign at the Sanyo site in Lowestoft, partly obscured by leaves, around 15 years after its closure. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

The £4,203,800 grant helped to remove the ground contamination left on site after the factories were demolished, and to prepare a new plan for how the former Sanyo and Survitec manufacturing sites on School Road should be used.

School Road in south Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)  

Having been previously acquired by Waveney District Council - the predecessor to East Suffolk - in 2018, the sites have stood vacant since 2009.

The former Sanyo factory site in south Lowestoft that has been earmarked for 350 new homes. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

The area - known as Kirkley Waterfront - forms part of the Sustainable Urban Neighbourhood scheme that was adopted in May 2013 and focuses on regenerating the area to provide housing and jobs for local people.

Back then - former Trade and Industry secretary Stephen Byers with the 5 millionth TV set at the Sanyo factory, Lowestoft in 2001. Picture: Bill Darnell/Newsquest archives (Image: Bill Darnell/Newsquest archives) (Image: Bill Darnell/Newsquest archives)

Back in 2012, the then Waveney District Council unveiled a vision to transform nearly 150 acres of waterfront land in south Lowestoft - with the 19-acre former Sanyo TV factory site earmarked for redevelopment with up to 350 new homes.

The former Sanyo factory site in Lowestoft. (Image: ©Archant 2013)

Sanyo closed its television factory in February 2009 with the loss of 60 jobs.

Trevor (left), Doreen (mum) and Martin Farr, all working at the Sanyo factory in Lowestoft, back in 2002. Picture: Nick Butcher/Newsquest archives (Image: Nick Butcher/Newsquest archives)

Eiji Kotobul from Sanyo visits the UK operation in Lowestoft in 2002. Picture: Nick Butcher/Newsquest archives (Image: Nick Butcher/Newsquest archives)

At its height, the factory had a total workforce of 350 and produced about 300,000 televisions a year.

The former Sanyo factory site in south Lowestoft earmarked for 350 new homes. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Now, the Kirkley Waterfront consultation has been launched - with an online survey unveiled this week and a drop-in event being held next week.

Residents and businesses are being urged 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.

The former Sanyo factory site in south Lowestoft earmarked for 350 new homes. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

The online survey is now open - as it runs until August 6 - and a drop-in consultation event is being held at St Marks C of E Church on Bridge Road, Oulton Broad, next Wednesday, July 17 between 3pm and 7pm.

What next for the former Sanyo and Survitec sites in Lowestoft. Picture: East Suffolk Council (Image: East Suffolk Council)

As the development progresses, a planning application could potentially be submitted in 2025.

'Determined to get the balance right'

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.

Cllr David Beavan (Image: Archant)

"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 July 17.

"We are listening."