Agenda item

53.            Planning applications

Consideration was given to the report detailing the planning applications which had been previously circulated.

RESOLVED:

That, subject to the variations set out below, the advice set out in the report now submitted be agreed.

54.            WND/2021/0883 – CREATON – DEMOLITION OF EXISTING COMMERCIAL PREMISES. CONSTRUCTION OF TWO WAREHOUSES AND NEW OFFICE FACILITY. CONSTRUCTION OF AGRICULTURAL BUILDING (BARN). CONSTRUCTION OF 2.1M PALISADE FENCING TO SOUTHERN AND EASTERN BOUNDARY. IMPROVEMENTS TO LANDSCAPING AND SUSTAINABLE DRAINAGE SOLUTIONS – LAND OFF CREATON ROAD

The Development Management Manager outlined the application for the brownfield site situated between Creaton and Brixworth. The current buildings on the site and the surrounding area were unkempt and it was considered that the proposal would result in an environmental improvement. The site was in a Special Landscape Area but there were other industrial uses nearby. Highway had no objections to the scheme and there was a straight section of highway at the entrance to the site. Details of materials had been received for the proposed warehouses and office block and Members viewed the elevation drawings. The applicant would enhance the biodiversity on the site by planting of trees and through the creation of a swale.

The Chair read out a statement from Councillor Jonathan Harris, one of the local ward Members, who was unable to attend the meeting.  Councillor Harris highlighted that the site had been derelict for several years and was in open countryside with difficult access from both directions. Councillor Harris considered that the application was against policy ENV2 and was contrary to the Local Plan. Councillor Harris requested that the Committee defer the application to receive comments from the Local Lead Flood Authority or that they refuse the application.

Mr Chris Levett, the Agent, addressed the Committee and noted that the site had been used as brownfield land for 150 years. The land was not in a flood risk zone and there was an existing drainage system on the site for the buildings. The proposed new buildings would be built to a high thermal performance standard with solar pv panels, an air source heat pump and electric charging points for vehicles provided.  Further to enquiries from Members, the Agent advised that there would be around 10 full time members of staff and 10 part time members of staff travelling to and from the site and some occasional visitors. The barn on the site was for plant and materials storage.

The Development Management Manager advised that the Local Lead Flood Authority had provided a holding response to the consultation regarding the application, as they currently had resourcing issues and could not provide a full response. Officers considered that as the site already existed and the drainage system was already in place, that the application was acceptable.

Councillor Cecile Irving-Swift proposed that Officers’ advice to approve the application be accepted, as it would provide local employment and as the biodiversity at the site would be enhanced. The proposition was seconded by Councillor David James and on being put to the meeting was declared carried with 6 voting in favour and 2 against.

RESOLVED:

That the application be approved, subject to conditions.