500 new homes to transform former factory site in Lowestoft

New life could soon be breathed into a former factory site in Lowestoft that has been closed since 2010.

Historic aerial photos showing how the site has developed. Picture: Courtesy of Assael Architecture (Image: Courtesy of Assael Architecture)

A scheme to transform the vacant Jeld Wen industrial site on Waveney Drive has moved a significant step forward after an outline planning application was lodged.

The illustrative outline masterplan for the site. Picture: Assael Architecture (Image: Assael Architecture)

An application for outline planning permission was submitted to East Suffolk Council - which allows for a decision on the general principles of how a site can be developed - by development consultancy, Pegasus Group.

People looking at plans for the development of 500 houses at the former Jeld Wen factory site in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Centring around "Outline Planning Application (All Matters Reserved) for the demolition of existing on-site buildings and construction of up to 500 residential dwellings and up to 3.2 hectares of severable employment land, comprising up to 21,000sqm Class B2 / B8 floorspace, with associated access, infrastructure and landscaping" it could see all existing on-site buildings demolished and regenerated.

Part of the empty former Jeld Wen timber factory site in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

The redundant Jeld Wen industrial site - which is owned by investment company Statuslist Limited - "extends to approximately 14.2ha (35.088 acres)."

The existing site. Picture: Courtesy of Assael Architecture (Image: Courtesy of Assael Architecture)

Comprising almost entirely "previously developed brownfield," the site currently features 55,068sq m of industrial buildings which were described as "now vacant and largely falling into disrepair".

Tom Nicholson, left, senior adviser at Statuslist, speaks to a member of the public at an exhibition of plans to build 500 houses in Lowestoft. Image: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

As approval is sought for the Outline Planning Application with all matters reserved, a planning statement from Pegasus Group highlights "the importance of the site as a catalyst for the wider regeneration of the Kirkley Waterfront".

A diagram of the proposed masterplan. Picture: Assael Architecture (Image: Assael Architecture)

With proposals "to remove all existing buildings and structures within the site to make ready for redevelopment" it earmarks around 9.6ha residential land use for up to 500 new homes and around 3.2ha for employment land use.

A summary of the landscape zones. Picture: Assael Architecture (Image: Assael Architecture)

It adds: "The site offers an unrivalled opportunity to deliver comprehensive regeneration and positive transformational change to raise the profile of Lowestoft and create a new, vibrant, mixed use and inclusive community within a high-quality environment, which also maximises the commercial opportunities presented by the waterfront, particularly to support the growing energy industries in the area."

A map of the proposed site. Picture: Assael Architecture (Image: Assael Architecture)

It concludes: "The proposed development is submitted in Outline only with all matters reserved and accordingly seeks to establish the acceptability in principle of the redevelopment of the site and the key development parameters to help guide the future detailed design and delivery of the site."

With the proposals "considered to represent sustainable development which should be approved without delay" a decision is likely to be made by East Suffolk Council in the coming weeks.

Redevelopment of a former factory site

After opening as a joinery factory and timber yard in 1962, it was run by Boulton and Paul before being purchased by Jeld-Wen UK Ltd in 1999.

The factory closed in June 2010, with the loss of more than 190 jobs, and has been vacant ever since.

The site location. Picture: Assael Architecture (Image: Assael Architecture)

A design and access statement from Assael Architecture adds: "The site is made up of a group of large industrial buildings, associated storage and sheds which are falling into disrepair.

"The buildings range from 5m to 15m in height with some long and unbroken façades."

Plans for the site. Picture: Assael Architecture (Image: Assael Architecture)

With the aim to "Develop and define the project masterplan objectives and outcomes for the former Jeld Wen site," it adds: "The proposal for Waveney Drive is for a mixed-use masterplan development of up to 500 homes and employment uses fronting Lake Lothing.

Illustrative scheme for The Boulevard area. Picture: Assael Architecture (Image: Assael Architecture)

"The scheme will offer tangible improvements for Lowestoft.

Illustrative scheme for The Linear Parks area. Picture: Assael Architecture (Image: Assael Architecture)

"This is a large project for a complex site and will likely be built out over a number of phases."

Illustrative scheme for The Green Park Streets area. Picture: Assael Architecture (Image: Assael Architecture)

The illustrative masterplan highlights "Green Park Streets" that run "north to south providing landscaping, play space and vistas between Waveney Drive and Lake Lothing.

Illustrative scheme for The Scores area. Picture: Assael Architecture (Image: Assael Architecture)

"Mews ‘Score’ streets connect between the Green Park Streets, providing more intimate street characters, and reference the historic Scores found in Lowestoft town centre.

Illustrative schemes for the play areas. Picture: Assael Architecture (Image: Assael Architecture)

"A linear park space provides a destination point."

Illustrative schemes for the employment zone areas. Picture: Assael Architecture (Image: Assael Architecture)

With the residential homes "ranging between two and four storeys", it proposes "124 apartments and 376 houses" with employment land "divided into four plots" as "the Employment Zone fronts Lake Lothing, allowing for waterfront industry and the use of a wharf."