Plans for care home in 'old people's town' in Diss rejected

Proposals to build the 66-bedroom, three-storey facility on the site of a former factory had prompted criticism that Diss was becoming "an old people's town".

The south Norfolk town already has seven nursing homes and another 23 residential care homes, with a quarter of the town aged 65 or over, compared to the UK average of 19pc.

LNT Care Developments, the largest care home provider in the UK, had said the proposed home would be a "much needed care facility" for Diss.

Plans for the care home have been rejected (Image: LNT Care Developments)

Diss town centre (Image: Newsquest)

But the seven members of the Conservative-run South Norfolk Council's development management committee unanimously refused planning consent for the project at a meeting on Wednesday (July 29).

The plans had sparked a strong response from locals and Diss Town Council opposed it, saying it had "grave concern at the current extensive range of facilities for older people in Diss".

It added there was "concern that the economic and demographic profile of Diss is becoming unbalanced to an extent that will stifle the economic progress of the town".

The site of the proposed care home, which has been rejected (Image: Newsquest)

One member of the public who objected added: "Diss already accommodates several elderly care facilities.

"A development of this scale risks turning the town into an ageing community, potentially discouraging younger people and families from settling here."

Another said: "I do like the idea but it feels like the town is being made into an old people’s town."

Other objectors included one who warned: "Diss is tired. I cannot see how this will help commerce and business to give our youngsters reason to stay and thrive in Diss."

A CGI image of the proposed care home (Image: LNT Care Developments)

The dispute comes at a time when the debate over elderly and social care has been reignited by prime minister Andy Burnham's vow to solve the issue.

And Jo Kemp, representing the developer, tried to convince councillors there is demand for another facility in the town.

She said there is an "identified housing need" in the area, with more than 156 en-suite care beds needed in the area.

Just days before the meeting, 15 letters of support for the scheme had been sent to the district council.

Some echoed the issue of demand while others said it would prevent hospital admissions.

However, councillors stuck with the officers’ recommendation of refusal.

Graham Minshull, district councillor for Diss (Image: Newsquest)

Graham Minshull, Conservative councillor for the town, said while he welcomed development of the land the building would be "too big and obtrusive".

"The main problem is the size and massing," he added.

He said there were already 12 to 14 care homes in the Diss area, taking into account facilities with fewer than half a dozen residents each.

He also highlighted that a care home in Nelson Road was approved by the council in 2021, but had not yet been built.

The care home would have been built on the site of a former factory (Image: Geograph)

He added: "Speaking to the land agent for that, he tells me they have not managed to achieve the numbers required to actually build out that site, hence why it is still sitting vacant today and they haven’t actually built it.

"Is there a need for something like this?"

David Bills, Conservative councillor for Hethersett, added the overlooking of the properties is one of the major problems of the scheme.

"It’s the right property, but in the wrong place," he said.

The plans were unanimously rejected by councillors.

Diss Mere (Image: Newsquest)

HISTORY OF NORFOLK FEATHER FACTORY

The Norfolk Feather Factory was a long-established employer in Diss, with a history spanning close to nine decades.

Based at its Park Road premises from 1993, the site specialised in the manufacture of high-end bedding and feather-filled products.

In its later years, the business faced a series of setbacks, including disruption to supply chains, outbreaks of avian influenza and the wider impact of the Covid pandemic.

These pressures contributed to its eventual closure in October 2022, following an earlier announcement in April 2021.

The factory, often recognised by the distinctive smell associated with duck feathers, formed a familiar part of Diss’s industrial character.

Since its closure, part of the site has been redeveloped and is now occupied by a nearby supermarket.