Object
Draft Local Plan-Part 2 Site Allocations
Representation ID: 20249
Received: 02/03/2020
Respondent: Diss Town Council
Comment objects to site being considered reasonable.
We were surprised to see the site recommendation has been changed from unsuitable to a
reasonable alternative. This greenfield site is identified as an important open space in the
South Norfolk Local Plan. It is also recognised by Norfolk County Council as an Historic
Environment Site NHER 33463.
It was originally put forward to the GNLP for 35 retirement living units, 5 dwellings and Health Centre expansion. However later plans were for 24 high end retirement bungalows.
The site is a very historic open space within the Conservation Area, with strong historic
links to 60 Mount Street (the only detached landscape park in Norfolk) and other listed
buildings.
Last year another important open space, 22A St Nicholas Street was approved for development despite a large number of objections from traders and residents. In the case of Parish Fields, there has been even more opposition on social media over the past year a petition against development running to more than 1500 signatures has been produced.
We agree with the initial GNLP conclusion that development would clearly adversely affect
the openness of the area.
Diss Town Council recommendation: Diss Town Council would not support development on this site and the loss of any of this historic important open space.
Thank for giving us the opportunity to consult on your proposals for the sites in the Diss area.
The Town Council has been working with the Diss and District Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group comprising the parishes of Brome and Oakley, Burston and Shimpling, Diss, Palgrave, Roydon, Scole and Stuston on the emerging plan, which we expect to consult on later this year. In addition we have worked with consultants AECOM who have advised and helped us develop our evidence base on Housing Needs, Design and Design Codes and also Site Assessment. It was interesting to note that AECOM considered that all the Diss and Neighbourhood Plan area to be rural in nature, a fact they felt should be fully considered in the site densities we allow.
Whilst we agree with most of your recommendations for the sites in the Diss area, there are a few we would like to consult further on. All the GNLP sites were discussed in Council on 19th February 2020 and our recommendations were approved unanimously.
Please see attachment