Depot to house 56 new homes?

Published: 3:12 PM February 19, 2009 Updated: 8:02 AM October 7, 2020

A scheme to redevelop a former Diss haulage depot for housing has been recommended for approval by district planning officers.

Persimmon Homes (Anglia) is seeking consent for 56 one, two and three bedroom houses and apartments at the Bartrum's site in Victoria Road. The proposals also include an area of public open space, landscaping, vehicular access and parking.

Planning officials were critical of the initial plans as they felt there was 'a very car-dominated layout, resulting in a poor amenity space and outlook for residents'.

But they have backed revised plans which offer better quality green areas, and a new access off Rose Lane. The previous proposal was for an access onto the busy A1066 Victoria Road, which gets very congested at peak times.

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The town council recommends refusal, describing the layout as 'formless and untidy with no sense of place'.

South Norfolk Council has also received seven letter of objection from local residents who claim the Rose Lane access will be hazardous to other road users, and that proposed three-storey apartment blocks are not appropriate for the site - a view shared by town councillors.

There has been one letter of support stating that the development will clear up an eyesore.

The scheme goes before the council's south-west area planning committee on Tuesday. County highways' views on the revised proposals will be reported at the meeting.