GNLP0112

Inclusion of this and any adjoining sites is considered premature and prejudicial to the Diss & District Neighbourhood Plan which would seek to allocate sites across the NP Area. We comment on this site without prejudice to the above and our comment on this specific site is that this is a very small site, which would be suitable for very limited residential development with proximity to the railway station.

I feel it is important that those working on the GNLP work closely with those working on the Neighbourhood plan to ensure that local wishes form the basis of decisions made,

Whilst I am not directly involved the Neighbourhood plan I am a key member of the local resident's association and feel the views I express below are the views of a lot of people living in Diss.

The plans you produced show mainly the ''call for sites'' and little else. Certainly not the infrastructure to support the sites. Clearly there are more sites than are needed for the projected number of new homes. It is therefore important that any agreed sites are clearly identified as I think it would be completely wrong to allocate more land than is required leaving it for the developer to cherry pick which site to apply to build on. The general feeling amongst residents is that future developments should generally be to the north of Diss. I have commented below on your plans:

Sites for new homes.
* Of the sites offered GNLP0606, GNLP0119, GNLP0291, GNLP0362, GNLP0342 and GNLP0250 are the most suitable as they border a road which could be upgraded to become a Northern Relief Road. However, a portion of this land would be needed to expand the Cemetery which has not been taken into account.
* Plot GNLP1044 is in fact two plots with a road through the middle - Walcot Green. They should be designated as two separate plots. The eastern part could be considered for housing together with plot GNLP1003 providing Walcot Green was upgraded from a single-track road to a more suitable twin track road. Currently because of congestion on Victoria Road, Walcot Green is used as a preferred route into town by many residents
* The western half of plot GNLP1044 and GNLP0599 should be retained as green space. Both these sites would be vigorously opposed by residents. In fact, this is one of the few areas of open 'green field' land left in DIss
* Plot GNLP0102 is in the middle of the Diss Strategic Employment site and should be designated for business development only.
* Plot GNLP1045 is the last green space in an area surrounded by housing and should be retained as a green area.
* Plot GNLP0112 is a very small green area containing a few trees and shrubs and should not be built on. In addition, because of its close proximity to the railway bridge access would be poor and undoubtedly dangerous.
* Plot GNLP0341 is where a town centre car park and the health centre are located. Whilst I agree the health centre needs relocating this area should be retained as a green space and car park close to the town centre
* Plot GNLP0526 is in my opinion suitable for development.
* Plots GNLP0104 and GNLP1038 are very small plots and would not contribute many homes. However, both sites could be suitable for self-build homes.

Town Infrastructure

* Land to the west of Morrisons and to the south of Victoria Road should be designated for Health and Leisure. The land behind the Thatcher's Needle should be allocated for a new modern health Centre and possibly a centralised Dental centre. It is in an ideal location as it is very central, close to the bus station and has more than adequate parking.
* Land adjacent to the Thatcher's Needle where the Feather Factory is presently located should be considered as a location for a new leisure centre
* Traffic congestion is a major problem in Diss adversely affecting residents and business alike. Whilst we have a few minor improvements (tweaks) at the planning stage which will help a little we desperately need a Northern Relief Road (or bypass) and an upgrade to Walcot Green to allow Diss to continue to grow and prosper.

I appreciate this is probably a bit more detailed than you need at this stage but the GNLP and the Diss and District Neighbourhood plan are going to dictate how we grow and prosper over the next 15 years.