Approval granted for Lowestoft crossing

Suffolk County Council’s ambition to build a third crossing in Lowestoft has received a significant boost after its planning application was approved by the Secretary of State for the Department of Transport, Grant Shapps MP.

The confirmation came following a year-long Development Consent Order process, which effectively sought planning permission from the Department of Transport to build the bridge over Lake Lothing.

Councillor Matthew Hicks, Leader of Suffolk County Council, said: “We now have the seal of planning approval to build a third crossing for Lowestoft, which is very good news.

“The crossing can make a significant difference as we continue to invest in the area. I’m confident that people will see positive changes, from their daily commute to the wider regeneration of the area.”

Councillor Hicks added: “This is a significant step forward, and we will continue to make good progress behind the scenes in these unprecedented and challenging times.

“The tender period for construction contractors comes to an end later in May and we are concluding our final business case to access the funding from the government.”

Now that the Council has received permission, a report is intended to be taken to its Cabinet meeting in July 2020, so it can consider the detail of the planning details, the outcome of the construction tendering process, the final project cost estimate and the timetable for the project.

Subject to a successful outcome to the tendering process, the July Cabinet report will name the bridge and authorise its senior managers to choose a construction contractor.