Decision on controversial Diss Mere apartments deferred for second time

The decision on whether to give the go-ahead to plans to build modern flats overlooking Diss Mere that are opposed by heritage watchdogs has been deferred for a second time.

Visualisation of proposed housing development next to Diss Mere. Picture: KD Architects/South Norfolk Council - Credit: KD Architects/South Norfolk Counci

Developers want to demolish an existing garage and two store buildings behind the Happy Palace Chinese restaurant on St Nicholas Street and build three apartments.

A decision on the application had been deferred by South Norfolk Council's development management committee in June for members to carry out a site visit.

The decision was now put off until August 21 to allow the developer time to put forward a plan on how they would manage lorry movements and noise disruption during construction.

The plans two four-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom apartment have met with strong opposition over concerns about its scale and impact on the neighbouring Mere-side community wildlife garden and boardwalk.

Planning officers have recommended approval and said the impact on the wildlife garden was not enough to justify the scheme being refused.