Site Proposals document

With reference to the comment that "the site has Significant Highway Constraints" - the OS extract submitted with the completed call for sites form (on 4th July 2017) identified (albeit indicatively) a potential new highway corridor that would facilitate access to Diss High School [in conjunction with site GNLP 0599]. It is anticipated that the landowner of site GNLP 0599 would consider working together with the Thelveton Estate to deliver a development. The proposed highway corridor would link Walcot Green (road) to Walcot Road and this would enable easy access to and from Diss High School and Diss railway station - WITHOUT creating an adverse effect on the Hamlet of Walcot Green . It would also offer an opportunity to link into the northern end of the Persimmon Homes development [Ref: 2016/1566] to the South (the right of connection has been reserved) thereby facilitating improved access by sustainable means to the train station, public transport and the town centre.

With reference to the comment that the site "may require noise mitigation measures" - the proposed allocation consists of two parcels of land, one on either side of Walcot Green (road), with the Eastern parcel almost abutting the railway. I understand that that 10db Acoustics concluded that the Persimmon development to the south [Ref: 2016/1566] which adjoins the Western parcel - and which is currently under construction - was located at a sufficient distance to ensure that adverse impacts in terms of noise or ground borne from the railway line are not encountered. On this basis the majority of the proposed allocation land should also be located a sufficient distance from the railway line for noise not to be an issue, however the Easternmost parcel closest to the railway line could contain areas of Public Open Space (POS) and structural tree planting/landscaping thereby minimising railway impacts

With reference to the comment that "...a proposal for residential use on part of an employment allocation DIS 8, therefore applicant may be required to demonstrate that continued employment use on that portion of the site is not viable" - despite the current allocation for Employment I am advised that the landowner has received little or no interest from prospective purchasers/developers for employment use over a period of 20 plus years. This is perhaps unsurprising given there is available land and buildings at the much better located and very accessible Diss Business Park which virtually adjoins the site. [The Reads Property Developments website* for Diss Business Park states "We have acres of development land available at Diss enabling us to build office and/or warehouse space to meet our clients exact requirements."] I also understand that there are currently numerous vacant commercial premises in Diss which would indicate sufficient employment space in Diss currently. On this basis it is suggested to be unlikely any material interest in the site for employment use will be forthcoming anytime soon and if the site remains undeveloped this may lead to further nuisance to nearby residents from the activity of Travellers. Plainly finding a long term development "solution" will eradicate this problem.
* http://www.readsproperty.co.uk/index.php/warehouses/diss-business-park-warehouses

The site - though in close proximity to the station - does not lend itself to the construction of substantial employment space buildings as it is a relatively small linear parcel with housing very close by. Once necessary car parking and servicing has been taken into account the residual area for the construction of employment floorspace is limited. Furthermore, large vehicle access to the site would be via Nelson Road which has fronting residential development. Development of the site for housing in a highly sustainable location would contribute to Housing Land Supply and would be of strong interest to housebuilders.