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Sustainability is the key for Diss's new green homes

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South Norfolk MP Richard Bacon brings Diss Express readers up to date with some of his recent work in the community.

Last Friday I was delighted to hand over the key to Phillipa Hawes and Aaron Lowther for their new sustainable three-bedroom home at Long Meadow, Diss.

Developed by C-Zero specifically for local people, these affordable houses meet Level 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes, which combines a very high level of insulation with very low running costs. I was particularly impressed with the spacious feel of the properties.

C-Zero has used a combination of cost effective materials and tight control over design and cost to give local people a chance to stay within their local community in a home which is both cost effective to buy and run.

Congratulations to Simon Linford and his team at C-Zero for creating such an attractive, affordable development for people in the Diss area.

Windfarm Inquiry
I’ve often written in this column that I am not against wind turbines if they are put on in the right place, such as industrial land or out at sea. 

Last December, South Norfolk Council refused planning permission for a windfarm between Dickleburgh, Rushall and the Pulhams.  The developer appealed the decision and so, by the time you read this, a planning inquiry into these proposals will be in full swing. 

I believe that huge wind turbines simply don’t belong in the gentle, rural landscape of South Norfolk.  In any case, Government policy says that wind farms shouldn’t be built if the impact on nearby communities is unacceptable.  The impact on the four villages will clearly be severe and so the Council was right to refuse planning permission. 

I hope to speak at the inquiry on behalf of local residents. 

Long Stratton Bypass
Although several villages in my constituency are fighting off unwelcome wind farm proposals, I was reminded last week that development can be a genuine opportunity for developers and residents to work together for the good of their community. 

I chaired a meeting between Long Stratton Parish Council and the proponents of a much-needed bypass for the village.  The Parish Council set out their concerns over the route, design and funding of the proposals and, in response, representatives of the landowners made some helpful proposals to address them.  It’s too soon to call it a breakthrough, but the Parish Council now has a real opportunity to lead discussions over the future shape of the village. 

I look forward to working with both parties to make Long Stratton an even nicer place to live and work. 

24 June 2011