Residents and businesses in Lowestoft are being invited to have their say on proposals for a £32.5m project to reduce flooding.

The Lowestoft Flood Risk Management Project aims to reduce the risk of flooding from the sea, rivers and extreme rainfall, and a consultation, launched today, will also give people the chance to comment on the appearance of the proposed permanent flood defences.

The project is due for completion in 2020 and includes the creation of a permanent wall which will be built around the harbour to protect against tidal surges, with a tidal gate located near to the Bascule Bridge to prevent surge water entering Lake Lothing.

David Ritchie, Waveney District Council's cabinet member for planning and coastal management said: 'A number of areas in Lowestoft are vulnerable to surface water flooding, particularly around Kirkley Stream. The unfortunate flooding in Aldwyck Way, and Velda Close in July 2015 demonstrated what can unfortunately happen.

'We are looking at the best ways to further reduce these risks and would like local communities, businesses and organisations to give their views on the proposed options. The consultation also gives people an opportunity to comment on the proposed look of the tidal defences which will provide permanent and effective flood protection for years to come.'

The public consultation invites people to comment on the look of the permanent defences and also have their say on proposals for reducing flood risk to properties vulnerable to flooding from rivers and rainfall. The project team are also looking for views on the environmental aspects of the permanent tidal defences.

Comments can be submitted in writing or online at www.lowestoftfrmp.org.uk where consultation documents and more images of the barrier designs are available.

A drop-in event is also being held between 2pm and 7pm on Thursday, November 30, at the Riverside building in Lowestoft allowing residents the chance to view the documents and plans. A presentation will be given at 2.30pm and repeated at 4.30pm and 6.30pm.

The consultation will close on December 14.

• What do you think? Email lowestoft.journa@archant.co.uk or write to Lowestoft Journal, 147 London Road North, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR32 1NB.

History

During the December 2013 tidal surge over 160 homes and businesses in Lowestoft were flooded, with road and rail networks significantly disrupted.

The Lowestoft Flood Risk Management Project aims to reduce the risk of flooding from the sea, rivers and from extreme rainfall. The target date for completion is 2020 and when finished, the project will support the economic growth and regeneration of Lowestoft and reduce the risk of flooding to existing homes and businesses.

The extent of the area at risk of tidal flooding encompasses the area from the outer harbour entrance through Lake Lothing to the A1117 Bridge Road crossing and Mutford Lock, which forms the boundary with Oulton Broad. This will include building a new tidal barrier and raised new or improved flood walls to provide protection from flooding from the sea.

The main area of importance for the work needed to reduce the risk of flooding will focus on the Kirkley area, which flooded back in 2015. Extensive modelling has been completed to help identify other potentially vulnerable areas so that options to help reduce the risk of flooding can be considered as part of the scheme.