Plans have been submitted that could see 40 new homes built on a disused three acre site that was once a town's railway station.

Diss Mercury: Illustrative drawing of plans for 40 homes on land off Station Hill in Harleston. Picture: Code Development Planners/South Norfolk CouncilIllustrative drawing of plans for 40 homes on land off Station Hill in Harleston. Picture: Code Development Planners/South Norfolk Council (Image: Code Development Planners/South Norfolk Council)

The land off Station Hill in Harleston could see the demolition of an existing building and the building of mix of dwellings with a new public open space under a planning application submitted to South Norfolk Council.

The large plot of land, within walking distance of Harleston town centre, was previously the storage and distribution yard for builders Blackburns Construction but was last used in 2014 and has since laid empty as a brownfield site.

Diss Mercury: Harleston Station in its heyday as part of the Waveney Valley Line. Picture: Dennis Cross/Nick ButcherHarleston Station in its heyday as part of the Waveney Valley Line. Picture: Dennis Cross/Nick Butcher (Image: ©archant2016)

The prominent Grade II listed former station building, which stands next to site on to Station Road, would be retained under the residential scheme being proposed by Code Development Planners.

In their planning statement submitted as part of the application, they state: "The applicant feels the site could deliver far greater benefit to the local community by providing much needed new homes within Harleston which would integrate well with the existing residential function, character and scale of the immediately surrounding area.

Diss Mercury: Land where 40 new homes could be built off Station Hill was last used as a builders yard and store. Picture: Simon ParkinLand where 40 new homes could be built off Station Hill was last used as a builders yard and store. Picture: Simon Parkin (Image: Archant)

"It is a highly sustainable location for this use and is only a short walking distance to a variety of local community facilities including the primary and secondary schools and the many shops and services located within the town centre of Harleston."

The new homes would be accessed off Station Hill with a new junction opposite Beck View and Maltings Drive with a new footpath for children walking to school and an Army Cadets hut next to the site

Diss Mercury: Harleston Station was part of the Waveney Valley Line which closed for good in 1966. Picture: Beccles and Bungay RailwayHarleston Station was part of the Waveney Valley Line which closed for good in 1966. Picture: Beccles and Bungay Railway (Image: Archant)

The remaining railway building dates back to 1855 and was the former Harleston Station on the Waveney Valley Line, a branch line initially running from Tivetshall to Beccles, though the line was split into Tivetshall to Harleston and Beccles to Bungay sections in 1960.

Both closed completely in 1966 as part of the Beeching cuts and the former Harleston station building has since been used as homes and offices.

Diss Mercury: 40 new homes could be built on land off Station Hill in Harleston with access opposite Maltings Drive. Picture: Simon Parkin40 new homes could be built on land off Station Hill in Harleston with access opposite Maltings Drive. Picture: Simon Parkin (Image: Archant)

The developer's plans state that the building would remain and be "enhanced to promote the existing setting and heritage".

They add: "The design and positioning of the residential development will be sympathetic to the station's industrial past while not competing with its prominence on Station Road and within the Conservation Area."