Crisp storage warehouses at Fairfields Farm, Wormingford, Colchester

“Description of the Proposal 4.1 This application seeks retrospective planning consent for the change of use of two existing agricultural buildings to storage or distribution (B8).”

“One of the existing buildings was granted planning permission in December 2023 (Ref. 232514) for “Construction of agricultural straw storage building”. Condition 8 of the permission states that “The building hereby approved shall be used only for the storage of straw and associated ancillary purposes and for no other purpose”. A second building was added to this following approval in June 2025 (Ref. 250290) for “Construction of agricultural grain store”.”

“The proposed change of use of two existing agricultural buildings to storage or distribution (B8) would support the continued operation and growth of an established rural business known as Fairfield’s Farm and is therefore considered to comply with the objectives of national and local planning policy which support sustainable rural economic development.”

“Subject to the recommended conditions the proposal is considered to comply with the relevant policies of the Local Plan and the National Planning Policy Framework. Accordingly, the application is recommended for approval.”

“Informative All work within, or affecting, the highway shall be laid out and constructed by prior arrangement with, and to the requirements and satisfaction of, the Highway Authority (Essex County Council), with all details being agreed before the commencement of Any highway works.”

“In terms of parking, the Highway Authority has left Colchester City Council as the Parking authority to determine the number and size of parking spaces. The Highway Authority only comments on the proposed parking where it is sub-standard such that it would likely lead to additional on-street parking to the detriment of highway capacity and/or safety. Under Section 148 of the Highways Act 1980 it is an offence to deposit mud, detritus etc. on the highway.”

“Unsuitable local road network - rural roads, narrow sections, poor visibility, drainage issues and bridge constraints considered inadequate for increased HGV traffic. • Highway safety concerns - increased HGV movements through residential areas, near Fordham Primary School, village facilities and pedestrian activity. • Existing congestion concerns - potential to exacerbate traffic issues on the A1124 and A12 junctions and other local routes.”

“DC0901MWeV11 • Noise disturbance - increased vehicle, machinery, fan and operational noise, including at night. • Light pollution - concerns regarding excessive site lighting affecting rural character and residents. • Odour impacts - existing cooking/factory odours affecting residential amenity. • Air pollution concerns - increased traffic and operational activity affecting local environment.”

“A proposal to accept the Officer recommendation was seconded. RESOLVED (TEN VOTES FOR, ONE VOTE AGAINST)that the application be approved as per Officer recommendation (and Amendment Sheet)”