Detailed new designs have been unveiled for a major waterfront development in Lowestoft.

Developers have submitted fresh plans for the first phase of a scheme 'to create a vibrant, distinctive and sustainable neighbourhood' that would transform the Lake Lothing area in south Lowestoft.

With existing industrial units to be demolished, the vacant land is proposed to be transformed with up to 850 homes, a new marina, new primary school, new spine road access and open space on a site previously occupied by the Brooke Marine boatyard and the Jeld Wen joinery plant.

The first phase of the scheme, which has been submitted to Waveney District Council, is 'solely residential' and would potentially feature 70 homes over 3.78 acres of land. It aims to provide 'the gateway to the new development, including key corners and key frontages leading to the heart of Brooke Peninsula.'

It comes more than three-and-a-half years after the council's planning committee approved the controversial first stage of plans to develop the sites off Waveney Drive with a scheme that had been estimated at costing £150m.

The scheme by Kent-based developers Cardy Construction Ltd to regenerate a large swathe of land had previously attracted widespread opposition before they were approved in October 2014. However, in August 2016, Cardy Construction Limited went into administration.

Speaking at the time, a Waveney spokesman said: 'We are aware of the situation with Cardy Construction. However planning permission is always granted for the land on which the development is to be located, rather than for an applicant. Therefore the application for the development at Brooke Peninsula is still valid.'

The latest reserved matters application has been submitted by London agents, Sprunt Ltd Architects, who have been working with Michael Peppiatt Associates Ltd, to create a 'detailed design code' for the first phase.

The application has already attracted opposition from residents with concerns over increased traffic and loss of greenfield.

A council spokesman said: 'This application seeks approval for the layout and design of phase one of the Brooke Peninsula development for 70 houses following the grant of outline planning permission. It is possible for another developer to take the proposal forward. It will be considered at a future planning committee meeting.'

About the scheme

Joel Kuenzi, architect and design director at Sprunt Ltd, said: 'The scheme has previously been granted outline planning approval.

'The masterplan that formed the basis of the outline planning application was prepared in accordance with the Sustainable Urban Neighbourhood and Kirkley Waterfront development brief referred to as the 'SUN'.

'The reserved matters application is for phase one, which provides for a 1.57Ha (3.78 acres) area at the southern tip of the overall application site.

'The entrance of the site is characterised by large houses forming a gateway for phase one. These houses are two storey, matching houses opposite the gateway and three storey at the crossroad, acting as markers with active frontages to front and side.

'The phase one proposal is for 66 houses and four apartments. The concept behind the masterplan for Brooke Peninsula and Jeld Wen seeks to integrate nature within the retained industrial heritage, in order to create a place that is a legacy for the town of Lowestoft and outer harbour area.

'Our involvement has not been confirmed yet for the next phases – there are six in total – separate reserved matters applications will be required for each phase.'

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