A major aim to regenerate a large swathe of Lowestoft by building up to 850 homes, a primary school and marina was approved tonight by councillors.

Waveney District Council's development control committee approved an outline planing application by Cardy Construction to develop on the Brooke Peninsula and former Jeld Wen playing fields.

Before the yes vote committee members heard residents in south Lowestoft had strong concerns that when the hundred of homes are eventually built they will lead to an increase in traffic problems as there was only one access road planned for the site onto Waveney Drive.

Concerns were also raised that 120 current jobs on the Brooke Pennisula would be lost if the development finally gets full planing permission and that a large part of a county wildlife site would be lost to the area.

Councillors heard that a separate pedestrian and cycle bridge connecting the marina side of the development to north Lowestoft would be a priority for council planners to help make the development a viable proposition transport wise.

The meeting also heard that traffic surveys showed there would be no major impact on the area

A plan to install 72 beach huts along the coast at Pakefield, was also approved by the development control committee.

The committee heard residents of Pakefield had objected to the plans by the council for the huts to be set up and leased out on the Lower Promenade as there were not adequate facilities for them, there was no lifeguard cover for people using them, and they would create parking problems.

The meeting heard that water supply and temporary toilets would be installed, that there was a need for the beach huts as there were 400 people on a waiting list for one and they would boost the economy.