Diss electric car charging plans due to be turned down

Plans for a new electric car charging station are expected to be turned down by councillors.

The site – with two food outlets with drive-through facilities and chargers for 20 cars – was said to be too far from Diss town centre.

Developers FOR-t has submitted plans to South Norfolk Council, which will make a final decision on Wednesday.

The company said it hoped the station, with parking spaces for 36 cars, would be the first of several sites.

It also wanted to open similar facilities in nearby Harleston and Lowestoft, Suffolk.

However, a report recommended councillors reject the scheme, proposed for the outskirts of Diss, between Victoria Road and the River Waveney, near the A140.

It said the type of development should be nearer the town centre, but the site would be “within the countryside” and outside the development boundary.

The proposal, which includes a fast food restaurant and cafe, could create 44 jobs.

It was also noted electric charging facilities were part of the government’s plan to improve and change the country’s infrastructure.

However, the report to the development management committee advised: “The application has the potential to generate employment, but the recommendation is for refusal.” – bbc.com