A developer, which wanted to create an electric vehicle charging point hub on the outskirts of Diss, is preparing to appeal to the Secretary of State after having its plans turned down.
The £2 million development, which would have included drive-through outlets for Burger King and Costa, as well as a foodbank collection point, stood to create 44 full-time jobs.
But the plans were refused by South Norfolk Council’s planning committee last Wednesday on the grounds that the development, in Victoria Road, would have had a detrimental impact on the landscape and the nearby River Waveney, as well as causing litter, noise and light pollution.
Jamie Glerum, chief executive of The Charge, the developer behind the proposals, said he was disappointed with the decision, having garnered significant support for the project in the run-up to the meeting.
The scheme, which would have acted as a flagship site for the Burgate-registered developer, would have included 12 initial charging points, with scope to increase this to 20 in the future.
“We were so pleased that the business development department of South Norfolk Council and Diss Town Council supported this application,” he told the Diss Express. “It is disappointing, therefore, that it was refused, but it is our intention to appeal the decision.”
Under section 78 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, the developer will now have to submit its appeal to the Secretary of State within six months of the date of the decision to refuse planning permission.
An independent planning inspector will then be appointed to consider the appellant’s case and the council’s reasons for refusing it.
Speaking on behalf of Diss Town Council, Richard Peaty told last week’s meeting that if this application was refused, it would be a loss to the community.
