Care must be taken, however, not to obstruct the view of the Mere which is a major tourist attraction, or cause traffic chaos in Denmark Street.

The proposed development will result in too many cars and delivery vehicles servicing the units. As there are already several one and two bed units planned for Diss, why not consider four to six high quality apartments, possibly for the over 55s?

As for the apartments, they could be staggered down the site as in the current proposal but with each having a large balcony with a trough for planting. Plants would break up the hard lines of the building and make it look more attractive from the opposite side of the Mere.

Carefully placed solar panels could provide eco-power without compromising the water temperature of the Mere.

A E S Chilvers,
Victoria Close, Diss

To replace the present building, with its historic arches dating back to before the Crimean War, with the proposed plans amounts to architectural vandalism, depriving the town its history.

May I suggest people take a look at the building during the day from the Mere's Mouth and return at night and view it when floodlit, then compare it with the proposed monstrosity of brick and glass.

By filling in the whole site, it would also deprive the residents and visitors to the area of the only elevated panoramic view of the town and the Mere itself, which Sir John and Lady Mann so carefully preserved when they rebuilt the upper level.

If the association doesn't have the ability or will to maintain the current building or honour the wishes of their benefactor, they should do the honourable thing and give it back to the Mann family and not seek to take financial advantage of such a gift.

G Barclay,
Secretary, Grasmere Club

When the Grasmere Club has tried to have meetings with the South Norfolk Conservative Association and the trustees of the building, we have been greeted with a wall of silence other than to tell us we must deal through the Association's advisors, Messrs Strutt & Parker of Norwich.

I find this very strange as while Grasmere Club members do not have to be members of the Conservative Party (although many are), the club itself is affiliated to the Association of Conservative Clubs and you would have thought there would have been co-operation between the two organisations.

If Jon Herbert's comments regarding the Grasmere building coming to the end of its life have any credence then most of the properties in Diss should be demolished as the bit you see from Denmark Street is one of the youngest buildings in the road!.

As a councillor for Mulbarton, Mr Herbert has no interest in Diss and appears to lack the common decency of meeting the club officers face to face so any antagonism is of his making.