Residents given a chance to share thoughts on Diss and District Neighbourhood Plan in public consultation

People are being the offered the chance to share their thoughts on a vital document which will help to shape how Diss and the wider area is developed over the coming years.

A third and final consultation has been launched to accompany the complete draft of the Diss and District Neighbourhood Plan (DDNP).

The plan has allocated a number of sites that would be suitable for housing and other developments in Diss, Roydon, Burston, Shimpling, Scole, Palgrave, Stuston and Brome, and Oakley.

In addition to an online questionnaire, three open days will be held at Diss Corn Hall next month, when people will be able to view information on the proposals and talk to members of the steering group responsible for overseeing its completion.

Neighbourhood plans give communities direct power to develop a shared vision for their neighbourhood and to shape the development and growth of their local area.

The blueprints can directly influence planning decisions by giving people the ability to choose where they want new homes to be built, to have their say on what they should look like and what infrastructure should be provided.

Following two consultations last year, the latest will seek to address a number of issues, including green infrastructure, cycling and walking networks, and the drastic decline in insect populations.

Simon Olander, leader of Diss Town Council, said: “This formal consultation is an important milestone in the development of the plan and is the first time the complete draft has been shared with the people who’ve helped to create it – and that’s all those who live and work within the seven parishes.”

David Burn, chairman of the DDNP steering group, urged all residents of the seven parishes to read the consultation and give their feedback via the survey.

He said: “We have been gathering community opinion at all stages of the development of this plan and now we have it in this complete draft form, so we hope that all residents of the seven parishes will take part in this present consultation.”

There will be three open days in Diss Corn Hall, on July 2, 3 and 4, with an additional open day in Roydon Village Hall on July 18.

The draft of the complete DDNP is available to view here, along with the online feedback questionnaire. The consultation closes on August 4.