Work to revitalise a rundown area of Yarmouth's riverside could begin in just 18 months, it was revealed last night.The plans by urban regeneration company 1st East will see 40 homes built on Saul's Wharf in Cobholm as part of a major plan to transform an entire stretch of riverside land dubbed Bure Harbour Quay by planners.

Work to revitalise a rundown area of Yarmouth's riverside could begin in just 18 months, it was revealed last night.

The plans by urban regeneration company 1st East will see 40 homes built on Saul's Wharf in Cobholm as part of a major plan to transform an entire stretch of riverside land dubbed Bure Harbour Quay by planners.

Following Yarmouth Borough Council's recent approval of the blueprints, 1st East has now advertised for developers to express an interest in building the 40 homes, which include 14 flats, nine town houses and affordable homes.

It is thought a developer could receive planning permission for the work next year - meaning construction could start in 18 months' time.

Bure Harbour Quay is the first development to be realised by 1st East which was set up in 2005 to breathe fresh life into large swathes of Yarmouth and Lowestoft.

1st East chief executive Philip Watkins said: “This is an important milestone.

“We can go out to the property market to invite developers and registered state landlords to come forward with their proposals.

“The waterfront regeneration in Cobholm is planned in several phases and will completely revitalise this stretch of the riverside, making it more attractive and providing access to the waterfront.”

Any developer involved in the project will have to consult with Cobholm residents to make sure the new homes fit in with their needs and wishes.

The land for the proposed development has been assembled by the borough council and the East of England Development Agency and will be handed over to the chosen developer to offset the costs of the scheme, which would otherwise be prohibitive.

Erica Whettingsteel, 1st East's project manager, said: “We are demanding high design standards of the successful developer but we are also offering a lot of support through contributions being made by the borough council, the East of England Development Agency and the Homes and Communities Agency.

“Once the developer is appointed, they will be required to consult with the residents of Cobholm on the proposals.

“Residents have already told us that it is important the new development integrates with the existing community and that they would like to see some houses, and not just flats, built.”