PEOPLE living near the site of the old Normanshurst fire station in Lowestoft are being invited to an open evening next week to hear about plans to build new homes on the land.

Lowestoft-based Badger Building hopes to redevelop the site on Normanston Drive with 32 flats and houses but, before submitting a planning application, it wants to gather local feedback on its proposals.

The old fire station was declared surplus to requirements by Suffolk fire service when a brand new purpose-built station opened in July last year.

The land was then sold off by the county council and was purchased by Badger Building, which has been demolishing the buildings and clearing the site for redevelopment.

The company says it plans to safeguard many of the 'fine, preserved trees' which fringe the site. But it is also keen to ensure that local people have a chance to views its proposals 'and express any concerns which they might have'.

A meeting has been organised at the new fire station, next-door to the old one, from 5pm to 7pm on Thursday.

Badger Building representatives will be on hand to listen to people's views and explain the scheme in more detail.

The site has been allocated for housing by Waveney District Council in its local development framework and planning officers have said that they expect it to accommodate about 30 new homes.

l People attending the meeting should note that there is no parking available at the new fire station on the night of the meeting but spaces will be available on the old station's forecourt, to avoid the need to park on the road.