THE long-running Ditchingham Maltings saga has taken another twist as a new developer has thrown its hat into the ring, expressing interest in the site.

The PJ Livesey Group, a development company based in Manchester and operating throughout the UK, specialises in historic sites and listed buildings and is hoping to progress a new planning application.

Other developers, such as Norwich -based developers Gladedale, had previously been interested in the site which fronts Pirnhow Street and backs on to the A143 Bungay bypass. The site is a listed building, derelict since a major fire in 1999.

An e-mail, seen by the Journal, to Ditchingham Parish Council clerk John Smith, from Kate Bailey of PJ Livesey Group, states: “[PJ Livesey Group] are hoping to progress a new planning application for the Maltings site and, as their planning consultant, I’ve been asked to organise a meeting with the parish council and local residents to talk about people’s concerns about the development.”

“The company is at the very earliest stage of collecting information, carrying out surveys and thinking about feasible plans for the site though we already know that the approved plans from 2001 will have to be revised.

“Local people know far more than the company about local circumstances and by talking to people early we hope to overcome any concerns you may have before a planning application is submitted.”

The development company have already carried out projects in Norfolk, inlcuding Reeds Mill and Whitlingham Hall in Norwich.

The company will be holding an open day on Tuesday, August 9 from 2.30pm to 7pm at Ditchingham Village Hall, where they hope to have architects bringing along display boards with proposed site plans and information about the company.

- For more information call PJ Livesey on 0161 873 7878 or Mr Smith from the parish council on 01986 892235.