Brooke Peninsula
27th February 2008
Having attended last Thursday's meeting called by those residents in Heath Road and the adjoining area, who will be most affected by the proposed development of the Brooke Peninsula, it is clear that they have genuine concerns that should be addressed before any development takes place. These include the additional traffic that will be generated both during the construction period and after the development has been completed and any intrusion on the privacy of residents. The HGV traffic that will be generated during the construction period means that a separate temporary service road should be provided.
A 21 storey tower block is not right for the area. At a time when flats in such developments in other towns and cities are struggling to sell it would be wrong to embark on such a project here, which would have very little if any long term benefits for the local community.
The meeting was also attended by John Wylson, Chairman of the Lowestoft Harbour Maritime Businesses Group, who highlighted the concerns of local employers. There is a need for the various proposed uses [ie residential and business] on the site to be reconfigured, so that they do not impinge on and restrict the activities of those local businesses, that make best use of both Lowestoft's unique location between the Broads and the sea and the boatbuilding skills that have evolved over many years. As the contract for the refitting of the MV Sulisker from a fisheries protection vessel to a yacht demonstrates there are still many job opportunities in this sector.
Criticisms of many waterside redevelopments that have taken place in Britain in recent years are their drab uniformity and the fact that they become gated communities that don't benefit their surrounding areas. The redevelopment sites around Lake Lothing present a great opportunity to do something different; to promote jobs and to provide new homes for all. This is a challenge and there will be conflicts. It is vital that in the 1st instance the views of residents and local businesses are taken on board.
