A protection scheme to defend a 170-metre stretch of sea wall on Lowestoft's South Beach is to be discussed by Waveney District Council's development control committee next week.

Waveney District Council's cabinet has already agreed to pump in �400,000 to construct an improved foundation for the flint sea wall between the South Pier and the Claremont Pier if the green light is given.

A further �40,000 will also be spent on improving adjacent groynes.

On Tuesday night the council's development control committee will be voting on the defence plan with council planning officers recommending it be approved.

The council says the work is needed as the area has come under increasing pressure from erosion in recent years which has lowered beach levels and could end up in the loss of the promenade and surrounding area if the 130-year-old wall fails.

A report to the development control committee says: 'This part of the seawall currently has no toe protection and there is a risk of failure as a result of undermining.'

Planning officers recommends that the committee authorises officers to approve the application provided that no objections are

received before the 'publicity period' deadline of October 25 finishes.

If approved work could take place between January and March.