Suffolk County Council’s planning application for the bridge was approved yesterday by transport secretary Grant Shapps. The confirmation comes following a year-long ‘development consent order’ process, which effectively sought planning permission from the Department of Transport to build the bridge.
Lake Lothing Third Crossing will be a lifting bridge to enable tall vessels using the Port of Lowestoft to pass by.
Councillor Matthew Hicks, leader of Suffolk County Council, said: “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.
“The planning decision is a credit to those in our project team who have been driving this ambition. It has been a very detailed application process, which began with our outline business case back in December 2015. I’d also like to thank the people of Lowestoft for their overwhelming support.”
Tendering for the project began in October 2019 (link opens in new tab). Hicks said: “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.”
A report is due to be taken to the council’s cabinet meeting in July, so that councillors can consider the detail of the planning permission, the outcome of the construction tendering process, the final cost estimate and the timetable for the project.
