GNLP0250

We need to protect Diss. Stop unprecedented growth and building here would create too much further pressure on local amenities. It would make surrounding roads too busy and change the landscape forever. I object to the growth of our Market Town for the greed of the few.

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 if this site was considered in conjunction with site GNLP0119, 0291 & 0342, with additional land allowed for expansion of Diss Cemetery and a direct link road between Heywood Road, Shelfanger Road and Louie's Lane, then this site would be supported.

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.

My client has previously put forward site GNLP 0250: Land at Heywood Road, Diss for housing development. This was deemed suitable for development in the HELAA. The Site Proposals document notes at page 180 that this is one of six sites proposed in this area and that these could come forward partially, in full or as part of a large scheme. Further submissions regarding these sites are made below.

Highways and access: My client confirms that it is intended that the site will be accessed by Heywood Road and that appropriate foot and cycle links will be integrated within the development scheme. In recognition of local aspirations, my client is also willing to consider a scheme that allows for the potential to deliver a new link road through to Shelfanger Road should this be recognised by the highway authority as delivering benefits to the transport network.

Drainage: The site is large enough to deliver on-site surface water drainage requirements. Foul drainage upgrades will be a matter for the service provide under new regulations that will come into force in April 2018.

Landscape and ecology: The site is large enough to provide a suitable buffer to address landscape impact considerations and provide biodiversity enhancements. The site currently comprises a largely featureless arable field immediately adjacent to Diss Cemetery and opposite existing residential development within the settlement. A carefully designed layout would work with the locally characteristic styles of vegetation to provide a visual and physical buffer to limit or mitigate publicly accessible views towards the site. Current views across the wider landscape, which are available from the footpath along the site's northern boundary, would be maintained. A robust landscape framework would be designed to respect the site's village edge location and successfully integrate the development into the surrounding landscape.

Comprehensive development: My client is willing to consider working with adjoining landowners as part of a wider development opportunity for the town.

Deliverability: My client has been approached by a housebuilder interested in taking this site forward and will explore this further should the potential for allocation develops. The precise yield from this site will be a matter for further consideration through discussion with the Councils.

It is considered that this site is deliverable and that the impacts identified in the HELAA can be mitigated - as acknowledged by the HELAA ratings - and requests that it be taken forward for consideration as a site allocation.

SUBMITTED DURING STAGE B:

Further update to site GNLP0350 in Diss, submitted in response to new sites put forward at Diss (GNLP0606 and (GNLP2104)

See attachment for further details