 In 1855 Lowestoft traffic to London went via Norwich in a northward sweep.Noting the construction of the HB&HR, Lowestoft people gave thought to a southward connection to that line, and at a meeting held on 26 October 1855 they determined to make a railway themselves, connecting to the HB&HR at Beccles.The Lowestoft terminus of the line was planned to be near to St John's church in South Lowestoft.