Care home on feather factory site to be refused
GeographPlans to turn a former feather factory into a 66-bed care home are set for refusal over concerns it would be overbearing for neighbours and be built in a flood risk area.
The site in Diss, Norfolk, had been used by luxury bedding firm Norfolk Feather Company until it went into liquidation in 2022. The building was then demolished.
LNT Care Developments has since applied to construct a three-storey building offering care for older people on part of the site in Park Road.
But the plans are set to be turned down next week after officers recommended councillors block the project.
LNT Care DevelopmentsLNT Care Developments said the proposals would provide 24/7 specialist residential and dementia care and transform a vacant area into a "state of the art, purpose built care home".
However, the town council objected due to fears too many care homes would "stifle economic progress" in the town.
Diss Town Council also worried about problems with overlooking, stating most properties in the area are two storey.
People living nearby have also written to South Norfolk Council expressing their concerns it would cause disruption and cut out light to neighbouring properties.
One objector warned of Diss becoming an "old people's town".
More stories from Norfolk:
After reviewing the project, planning officers at South Norfolk Council are urging councillors to reject the application.
An officer's report noted that the scheme's proposed scale and design would be "significantly detrimental to the residential amenity of neighbouring occupiers".
Officials also said there may be other sites with less flood risk more suitable for a care home of this scale.
Members of the development committee will determine the application on 29 July.
Do you have a story suggestion for Norfolk? Contact us below.
Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
