Bid for bigger Diss medical centre and car park take step forward

Proposals for a bigger medical centre and a new car park in Diss took another step forward this week.

South Norfolk Council's Cabinet met on Monday in private session and agreed to a land swap deal.

Councillors needed to discuss in confidence the complex and sensitive negotiations between the council and Diss Medical Centre, which is owned by its GPs. These talks paved the way for Monday's Cabinet decision.

Diss District and Town Councillor Tony Palmer gave a cautious welcome to the news, saying the project was on track. But he said there were still many hurdles to get over.

He said:

"It is good news that this proposal has taken another step forward and progress is being made. But there is a long way to go, and we must remain realistic as well as optimistic. Monday's Cabinet decision keeps this on track and moving in the right direction.

"I know everyone involved has been working very hard to get this right and we want to thank them for that. We should wish the GPs well, as they take this project to the next stage."

Dr Ian Hume from the Parish Fields Practice said:

"This represents an important milestone in the project which will bring us closer to final sign off from NHS Norfolk and a start on building.

"We still have much work to do, and challenges to face, not least because of the more difficult financial climate that prevails. However this is a major step in the right direction."

The land swap proposal came originally from Diss Medical Centre. GPs wanted to expand their surgery onto the Mount Street car park - which is owned by South Norfolk Council.

In return they proposed to provide the council with a new car park next to its existing Shelfanger Road car park.

Two and a half years ago, this proposal to extend the surgery and to construct a new car park won planning permission.

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