Bid for 132 new homes on former hospital site in Lowestoft

Council officials have recommended that the scheme, for properties in Oulton on the outskirts of Lowestoft, should go ahead.

The site is situated on the edge of Oulton in Lowestoft on an irregular shaped parcel of land. Picture: Oldman Homes Limited (Image: Oldman Homes Limited)

The 14 acre site, on land north of Union Lane once housed Lothingland hospital as well as the former Oulton Workhouse, including its burial ground.

A decision on the project is expected to be made at an East Suffolk Council meeting next Tuesday, June 11, but planning officers are recommending it be approved.

The phase one site layout for the proposed scheme in Oulton, Lowestoft. Picture: Eastern Design Architecture Ltd (Image: Eastern Design Architecture Ltd)

If it goes ahead, work will be carried out in two phases.

The first phase is for 45 homes, with the second phase for a further 87.

The indicative phase two site layout for the proposed scheme in Oulton, Lowestoft. Picture: Eastern Design Architecture Ltd (Image: Eastern Design Architecture Ltd)

The scheme is part of the gradual transformation of Oulton, which is undergoing significant population and housing growth.

Lowestoft-based housing developer Oldman Homes is behind the project.

The company is also overseeing the nearby Woods Meadow development of around 120 homes.

An existing site view - showing the eastern border of the site, looking west - for the proposed scheme in Oulton, Lowestoft. Picture: Oldman Homes (Image: Oldman Homes)

The proposed 132 dwellings would comprise one, two, three and four bed homes, all with private off-street parking and back gardens.

There would be four affordable homes and seven custom build plots, with around 1.10 hectares of public open space - including a children's play area and new tree planting.

In their report to councillors who will make the final decision, council officials wrote: "The proposed development would deliver significant public benefits."

They added that the plan allowed for the "retention and enhancement" of the workhouse burial ground, which it described as "a significant heritage asset".

With no objections from consultees, two public representations expressed concerns that included fears over highways safety and an increased flood risk.

THE STORY OF OULTON'S WORKHOUSE

Oulton Workhouse was opened in 1765 by the Mutford and Lothingland Hundred Incorporation.

The institution was for the area's poor, who were unable to support themselves financially.

They received accommodation and employment, but were required to work on various tasks.

It took in people from across Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth and was said to be home to 300 people.

The site had a chapel, apartments for the governor, offices and four large working rooms on almost 19 acres of land.

To the north of the workhouse was a small enclosure containing just over a half acre designated as the burial ground.

The workhouse was enlarged in 1836 with two infirmaries later added in 1881 and 1898.

In 1893 the Incorporation which managed the workhouse was dissolved and replaced by the Mutford and Lothingland Poor Law Union. 

With the national abolition of Poor Law Unions in 1929, a year later Oulton workhouse and its administration was transferred to the East Suffolk County Council.

Initially it was renamed Lothingland House and then Lothingland Hospital.

The old workhouse buildings were demolished in the 1960s, but the two infirmaries remained in use for another 30 years until they too were demolished.