PEOPLE power is aiming to overturn plans to regenerate a rundown waterfront area of Lowestoft which includes a 20-storey tower block that has been labelled a “monstrosity.

PEOPLE power is aiming to overturn plans to regenerate a rundown waterfront area of Lowestoft which includes a 20-storey tower block that has been labelled a “monstrosity.”

Angry residents of Waveney Drive, Heath Road, Victoria Road, Constable Close, School Road and Kirkley Run have joined forces to organise a petition against proposals for the development of land that was previously home to the Brooke Marine shipyard.

The proposed development of Brooke Peninsula, on more than 30 acres of land off Heath Road, includes a 20-storey tower block - five storeys higher than the current leading Lowestoft landmark at St Peter's Court.

The application is from Shaun Keegan, of CKS Development, which is being backed by 1st East, the urban regeneration company. It would also require the land on the banks of Lake Lothing to be raised and features 549 one, two and three bedroom flats; 101 townhouses; a new marina with 130 berths for boats; offices, shops; a care retirement home featuring more than 200 bedrooms; plus a pedestrian/cycle bridge.

One of the residents, Mike Warner, said: “I think the development is a really good idea as the whole area is rundown but I don't think Heath Road would take that amount of traffic. The increase of traffic volume, noise and vibration is of obvious concern. We're not against the houses, it's the traffic and tower block which are of major concern. My house will be overlooked by what I can only describe as a 20-storey monstrosity.”

Other Heath Road residents added that there are already cracks in the road surface and for the numerous heavy lorries that will be needed to work on 30 acres of land there are further fears of damage through vibration to houses nearby.

Shaun and Sharon Green said the plans are controversial.

“Whilst it is indisputable that the area needs redevelopment the proposal seems to point to Heath Road being used as the access to the works during and after the development - this is unacceptable. Another concern is the very tight corner near the bottom of Heath Road; with the heavier traffic this would be an accident blackspot,” they said.

The strength of opposition to the plans has seen over 130 people send their comments to Waveney District Council and 50 of these vented their fears at a “No to Brooke Tower” protest on Wednesday.

A spokesman for Waveney District Council told The Journal: “It is currently too early to comment (about this application). All representations are being collated and will be considered. We are unable to confirm at this stage whether one of the representations is a petition, or its content and the dates for future discussion are yet to be confirmed.”

A spokesman for 1st East added it was not directly involved in the application made to Waveney, but added: “We support it in terms of the fact it takes the process forward.”

Councillors are likely to discuss the application in the next few weeks.