Residents have given a mixed reaction to plans to radically redevelop the North Denes in Lowestoft.

The proposals from Peter Colby, a developer and businessman, include a new restaurant, beach huts, public toilets, fitness and play areas, and a new land train to Ness Point.

No formal planning application has been submitted to Waveney District Council, and there is no agreement with land owners Lowestoft Town Council with the council pledging to consult on any plans, not just Mr Colby's, for the land.

The plans received both praise and criticism from local residents, with many happy to see something planned for the area and others saying it should be left alone.

In opposition to previous plans for the area, residents pointed to a historic covenant for the land to be kept and used for a public recreation or pleasure ground, with no buildings to be built apart from band stands, caretaker cottages and public toilets.

A Note of Implementation from Waveney District Council written in 2006 and revised in 2010 also states that the land under application should be retained as public space only.

Steve Gooch said: 'Why can't you just leave it to be a nature reserve? More man-made structures and mess and less places for us to enjoy the wildlife! 'Not as if we are in the verge of losing native species is it!'

Craig Louch agreed. He said: 'A real shame in my opinion. One of the few quiet, beautiful and semi wild areas a stone's throw from the town centre.

'But of course it's free so we can't be having that can we. Whatever they build here will be a blight on the landscape and end up derelict and looking like something from Chernobyl within a decade.'

Others disagreed and said the plans would be good for the area.

Trevor Conquest said: 'It is about time this area was looked at for regeneration to bring money and jobs into the town. That whole area could be used for so much more than just a grass field.'

Sue Summons agreed. She said: 'This is fantastic and I hope it happens! Cafe, toilets, we will be able to spend more time on the north beach as a family instead of having to leave as one of us needs the loo and it's normally one of the kids who can't wait or walk to Sparrows Nest.'