Flooding and heritage issues with Lotus expansion in Hethel

The sportscar firm is hoping to construct three new buildings and road infrastructure at its site in Hethel. 

Lotus says the development will allow the business "to take the next step of growth and innovation at their Hethel HQ", arguing the expansion is needed if it is to manufacture new vehicles - particularly those that are electric.

But the development has hit a potential snag after Norfolk County Council's flooding and historic environment teams lodged issues with the proposals. 

An artist's impression of the expansion plans (Image: Broadland District Council)

The flooding department has called for "an acceptable Flood Risk Assessment [and] Drainage Strategy", alongside further information from Lotus on how it plans to ensure the expansion would not "adversely impact flood risk". 

READ MORE: Temporary bus gate sign left up FIVE YEARS after enforcement started

This comes amid a series of concerns raised about drainage issues in and around Hethel - including the impact of a controversial 23-home project in the nearby village of Bracon Ash. 

The council's historic environment team also wants to investigate the land proposed for the site.

The company said the existing site in Hethel is already working at full capacity (Image: Newsquest/Denise Bradley)

A letter sent to South Norfolk Council's planning committee read: "There is potential for previously unidentified heritage assets with archaeological interest (buried archaeological remains) to be present within the current application site and that their significance would be affected by the proposed development.

READ MORE: Council 'ignored' road danger warnings BEFORE man was hit by bus

"If planning permission is granted, we therefore ask that this be subject to a programme of archaeological mitigatory work."

This would start with a "geophysical survey" which would then determine if any further work - such as a full archaeological excavation - is needed. 

READ MORE: Rredundancies at Lotus Group proposed to make production 'more efficient'

The Chinese-owned firm has already pointed out the need for the expansion.

The Lotus site in Hethel (Image: Denise Bradley/Newsquest)

The site is understood to be working at full capacity and, as such, more space and a new production line are needed if the business is to meet its ambitions of developing new sportscars.

Lotus reported last August that it had enjoyed a record-breaking six months, producing 2,200 vehicles at its Hethel site - a 381pc increase on the previous year.

The company grew its order book to 17,000 vehicles worldwide for the Eletre, its first electric 'lifestyle hyper-SUV', but also announced in January it was making at least 30 Norfolk workers redundant for efficiency reasons.