Suffolk County Council’s planning application for the construction of the third crossing in Lowestoft has been approved.

The Secretary of State for the Department of Transport, Grant Shapps MP, announced his decision in a letter today, 30 April 2020. 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 over Lake Lothing.

Cllr Steve Gallant, Leader of East Suffolk Council, said: “I am absolutely delighted that the Secretary of State for Transport has confirmed planning approval to build a third crossing for Lowestoft. East Suffolk Council, following our predecessor Waveney District Council, has fought tirelessly for many years to reach this point and the hard work of our councillors and officers as part of a wider project team is now being rewarded.

“But most importantly, this is for the people of Lowestoft who know better than anyone how important the bridge will be, not only by easing traffic through the town, but also as a catalyst to unleash its economic potential. There is a bigger picture here - and with East Suffolk Council currently leading Lowestoft's bid for a chunk of the Government's £1.6 billion Towns Fund, we strongly believe that the town has a genuinely exciting future. This announcement underlines that view and this is a landmark day for us all.”

Councillor Matthew Hicks, Leader of Suffolk County Council, said: “We now have the seal of planning approval to build a third crossing for Lowestoft, which is very good news. “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.