Around 300 homes could be built on the former Sanyo site in Lowestoft as part of a proposed redevelopment project.

Around 35 per cent of them would be affordable new council homes and people are being asked for their views on the plans at a public consultation event which will be held this Thursday, (February 12).

The drop-in style session will be held at Colville House, in School Road, between 2.30pm and 7.30pm and includes detailed plans for the first two stages of the development. Visitors can ask questions about the proposals of the site ahead of a submission of a formal planning application for permission to develop site.

Waveney District Council confirmed it was purchasing the land on the 20-acre site for about £2.4million in 2013.

News of that deal drew strong criticism from businessman Peter Colby, who had submitted a failed bid of £2.4million to buy the land so he could set up industrial units for fledgling firms by converting the old buildings to create new jobs, as well as build some new homes.

In September 2013, Colin Law, leader of Waveney District Council, said: 'The acquisition of this land will help the council better deliver the area action plan and will provide a mixture of housing, both private and social, which will help those who wish to enter the housing market for the first time and who would otherwise be unable to do so.'

Peter Colby expressed his view at the time by stating: 'I am disappointed for Lowestoft because there will now be no jobs on the Sanyo site. What Lowestoft needs is more jobs, not more homes. The land is not viable for homes.'

Information from the consultation event will also be available on the council's website from February 13 to 20.

In addition there will be display boards and feedback forms in the reception area of the Marina Customer Services Centre.

Sue Allen, Waveney District Council cabinet member for housing, said: 'This is an important opportunity for local people to learn more about the proposals for the former Sanyo site.

'I hope that as many people as possible come along and chat with us about what is planned.'

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

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

What do you think of the proposals? Write, giving full contact details, to: Journal Postbox, 147 London Road North, Lowestoft, NR32 1NB. Or email andrew.papworth@archant.co.uk