Businesses in and around Diss are being asked to have their say on the future of the their town as the first major consultation on the Diss and District Neighbourhood plan opens to the public.
The Diss and District Neighbourhood Plan, covers Diss and the surrounding parishes of Roydon, Burston and Shimpling, Scole, Brome and Oakley, Suston and Palgrave.
Proposing a vision for a 'vibrant community centred around a thriving market town'.
The plan addresses the problems Diss faces and sets out themes which will help influence future policies concerning investment, infrastructure and development in the area.
As part of the public consultation businesses are being invited to have their say on the plan and attend a summit hosted by MP for South Norfolk, Richard Bacon.
Mr Bacon said: 'Neighbourhood planning gives communities the power to develop a shared vision for their area which can then shape development and growth, this applies to businesses as much as it does to residents.
'This summit will be an excellent opportunity for businesses in and around Diss to feed into their Neighbourhood Plan and ensure that its policies align with their needs and priorities.
'If you are a business in the area, please come along and make your voice heard.
'Do not leave it up to others, they may be leaving it to you'.
In a statement Midwich, who are supporting the summit said: 'The Midwich Group is expanding across the UK and into Europe and as far afield as Australasia, however, we see our operation in Diss as the base of this expanding global group and that's the way we would like it to stay. So the future of the town is important to us.
'We are excited to be involved in the Neighbourhood Plan and we would encourage all businesses, large or small to get involved and have their say on the plan.'
A brochure explaining the neighbourhood plan and a questionnaire has been sent to every household in the area.
The Business summit will take place on Friday March 2, from 9am until midday in Golf Diss Club.
For more information and to book a place visit email info@dndneighbourhoodplan.co.uk
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