As the site is allocated in the Local Plan, the principle of development is already established for this site. There are no Scheduled Monuments, Registered Parks and Gardens or Conservation Areas within or adjacent to the proposed development area, so this application will have no impact upon any of these Designated Heritage Assets or their settings.

There are no Listed Buildings within the proposed development area, but there are two listed buildings located on the eastern side of Park Hill, opposite the north-eastern corner of the site. Both buildings were listed primarily for architectural and historical reasons and, as such, derive much of their significance as Designated Heritage Assets from their built fabric.

In terms of non-designated heritage assets, the proposed development site has the potential for archaeological remains from the prehistoric period onwards. Given the sensitivity of the former workhouse burial ground, as demonstrated by archaeological evaluation, the former area of the burial ground will be retained as public open space. This will be landscaped and suitably managed, with interpretation provided to explain the presence and history of the burial ground.

During the Second World War the eastern part of the site contained a complex series of anti-tank defences. These centred on north Lowestoft and comprised of anti-tank ditch systems, concrete anti-tank obstructions, and scaffolding and barbed wire obstructions. These were subsequently removed at the end of the war, although an isolated example of a concrete ‘dragon’s tooth’ defence survives within the roadside hedgerow at the south-eastern corner of the site. This is presumed to have been relocated when the field was cleared after the war and ploughing resumed. The proposed development therefore seeks to respect and enhance the historic environment of the site and its environs.

Car parking will be provided for all new homes, in line with the Council’s requirements. 

Vehicular and pedestrian access will be gained via Park Hill, and pedestrian access only via Union Lane. The new location of the access has been agreed in principle with Suffolk County Council Highways.

A new footpath is proposed along the edge of Park Hill, to provide links to the wider network of Public Rights of Way within Oulton. A further footpath link is also proposed, which links the development to Union Lane. The new footpaths and Open Space will be available for the whole community to use. 

The site lies within Flood Zone 1 which means the site is at a low risk of flooding.

A detailed surface water drainage strategy for the new homes is being prepared by ASD Consultants. The measures include drainage into an infiltration basin to mitigate risks on site and ensure that the proposal does not increase flood risk elsewhere.

Foul water will be directed to the public sewers. We are working with Anglian Water to ensure that there is sufficient capacity to take the additional flows.

A full range of ecological surveys have been carried out across the site, to ensure the development will not have a negative impact on any Protected Species. An Ecological Assessment will be submitted as part of any future planning applicaiton.

A Tree Survey has been undertaken by Farmland Forestry and the layout will ensure that all of the existing trees are protected, wherever possible. If any trees need to be removed, they will be replaced elsewhere within the development.

The proposals would also seek to include new planting between phase 1 and 2, running north to south, which would create a further wildlife corridor.

The proposals include the provision of land for a pre-school setting / or 6 affordable homes.

A contribution to deliver the pre-school will also be required via the Community Infrastructure Levy.