Sites across Diss, Harleston and beyond earmarked for potential development

More than 150 sites in south Norfolk have been put forward for potential development, including sites in Diss and Harleston.

The sites were suggested by landowners, agents and developers in a consultation over the Greater Norwich Local Plan.

Subject to planning applications being drawn up for the sites, it could mean thousands of new homes for the area.

Overseen by the Greater Norwich Development Partnership, the plan is a collaboration between Broadland District Council, South Norfolk Council, Norwich City Council and Norfolk County Council. It intends to chart the future development in Norfolk up until 2036.

Current plans already in place only look to 2026.

Two areas for development have been put forward in Diss, including a 50-hectare site west of Shelfanger Road. This could pave the wave for an unknown number of new homes and businesses.

In Harleston, there are seven proposed sites, with the largest being a 27-hectare area, which could be home to a residential-led mixed development of 350 homes.

Seven sites have also be put forward in Bressingham – all for residential purposes.

Other sites earmarked for potential development include those in Aslacton, Bracon Ash, Bunwell, Burston, Dickleburgh, Pulham Market, Pulham St Mary, and Scole.

An initial call for sites was held back in 2016, where people could put forward land to be considered for potential allocation in the Greater Norwich Local Plan.

A total of 562 sites were submitted. The consultation, which ended on March 22, saw more than 200 extra sites put forward.

South Norfolk Council leader John Fuller told the Diss Express that the proposed sites were about getting the correct number of homes and infrastructure for the right areas.

"Our job is to plan for the right number of homes based on population growth, economic growth and so forth," he said.

"We don't want to over do it. The key message to get across is that just because landowners have put their sites forward, it doesn't mean they will be built on.

"So developers shouldn't get their hopes up necessarily, but, equally, neighbouring residents shouldn't be overly concerned that every site will be built upon."

Cllr Fuller added the vast majority of sites may not even be taken forward at all, and there existed the possibility that sites accepted for development may be scaled back.

"We had a further 200 sites come forward in the consultation, but that doesn't mean the previous sites put forward in 2016 will be forgotten about," eh said.

"Landowners have put forward about 20 times the space that is needed to meet the demand for new homes in our area. It is now up to us to determine which sites would be most suitable."

A further consultation on the potential sites for development will be launched later this year.

Cllr Fuller said public comments and local knowledge would help the councils narrow down their options.

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