Controversial Diss housing bid to be discussed by committee

A controversial application to build more than 100 homes in Diss has been recommended for approval.

Developer Persimmon Homes originally put in an application to build 142 homes on land off Frenze Hall Lane.

But this sparked criticism from residents and the town council who raised concerns about the impact on the town's infrastructure and road safety fears.

A residents group was also formed to discuss the concerns of the community.

In March, South Norfolk Council's planning committee rejected the bid on the grounds of poor design, and the form, bulk and massing of the plots.

A revised plan by Persimmon Homes has seen a reduction in the number of houses, by six, and the distribution of affordable homes throughout the development.

The bid will be discussed by the district council's development management committee on Wednesday, January 4 at 10am at the council offices.

Although the town council continues to recommend refusal of the application - due to lack of parking spaces for the number of houses and issue of surface water on Frenze Hall Lane - the resident group have said they are happy with the revised plan.

Speaking previously to the Mercury, Joyce Thomas, who is a member of the resident group set up to object the original application, said: 'Persimmon have worked with us as a group and a community. These new plans are much better.'