The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Rt Hon Hazel Blears MP, has authorised the compulsory purchase order of land to build the Waveney Campus.

The authorisation confirms the Secretary of State’s view that there is a compelling case for the acquisition to take place, as it is in the public interest.

The Secretary of State was asked to make a decision based on a report submitted by a government-appointed planning inspector who chaired a public inquiry in 2007. The Inspector listened to detailed submissions from all parties, including the objectors, before compiling his report towards the end of last year.

Following careful consideration of the information supplied, both the Inspector and the Secretary of State accepted fully the case made by the Campus partners at the inquiry. The evidence supported that there was no acceptable alternative site to be found in the town. In addition, the Inspector’s report concluded that the Campus project will deliver to taxpayers best value for money.

Throughout the process, Waveney District Council has been involved in negotiations with the current landowners in order to help secure fair settlements and, where possible, alternative sites for businesses wishing to locate elsewhere in the District. In over 95% of the cases this has led to mutually satisfactory arrangements, which means existing local jobs have been secured at the same time as enabling the Waveney Campus investment.

The project will now move on to the next phase with the Campus partners opening discussions with potential bidders for the design and build contract in the next few weeks.

Cllr Ken Sale, Waveney District Council’s Portfolio Holder for the Built Environment confirmed that the partners are pleased to have brought this matter to a conclusion.

He said: “The Inspector and the Secretary of State have agreed with us that there is a compelling case for the purchase to go ahead and that the partners have acted with integrity in seeking to acquire the land. It is their view that this site is the best possible location for the Waveney Campus and that this would be in the best interests of Lowestoft and its residents.”

“We are now looking forward to the next phase of the project and the construction of a building that our communities can take pride in and which will set the very highest standards of build quality and environmental sustainability.”