Industrial unit alterations at Hangar 1 Ford Circular Technology Park, Ford

What was proposed

The application proposed new cladding, roller shutter doors, roof alterations, higher eaves and changes to windows on an industrial unit.

“DESCRIPTION OF APPLICATIONAlterations to an industrial unit, including raising the eaves height, replacing cladding and installing new doors. SITE CHARACTERISTICSIndustrial unit finished with metal cladding. CHARACTER OF LOCALITYUnit forms part of a group of three industrial units in an area of hardstanding. Further industrial uses to the south, and the areas to the west and north are proposed as playing fields and public open space for the Ford strategic allocation.”

Officer report

Earlier permission

Permission was granted in 2023 for refurbishment and external alterations, and this application sought to add an increase in eaves height.

“F/9/23/PLRemoval of existing wall and roof cladding to main Hangar, removal of 'Eaves Light' windows to the North and south elevations, removal of main roof, rooflights, removal of low level roof cladding to the south elevation ground floor roof.”

“This application seeks to amend F/9/23/PL to include an increase in eaves height in addition to the external alterations proposed under this application. REPRESENTATIONS Ford Parish Council - Objection F/33/26/PL”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the works would upgrade an employment site, preserve visual amenity and cause no significant harm.

“The proposal is considered to comply with relevant Development Plan policies in that the proposals upgrade an existing employment site and do not harm the character or visual amenity of the area.”

“CHARACTER AND VISUAL AMENITY The site is a single storey building finished with corrugated metal sheeting. The building is in a group of industrial buildings situated at the end of a long access road. The buildings are currently sited away from residential properties. The site is adjacent to the Ford strategic housing allocation.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The minerals and waste authority raised no objection, while noting existing controls on access, HGV numbers, routing and operating hours.

“No representations were received from nearby occupiers. COMMENTS ON REPRESENTATIONS RECEIVED: Comments noted. The refurbishment may result in an increase in usage of the site. There is no indication that the industrial unit is to be used as an incinerator. This has been confirmed by the agent and would require additional planning consent for a change of use.”

“- Extant legal agreements (part of WSCC/096/13/F and WSCC/027/18/F Waste Consents) require vehicular access to the Circular Technology Park (CTP) only via the access to the southeast corner of the site, and prescribe the hours, routing and maximum number of HGVs entering/exiting the CTP as a whole (i.e. inclusive of Hangar 1, the subject of this application).”

Officer report

Objections and support

Parish councils objected over height, scale, landscape, heritage, neighbouring development and traffic, while a county councillor supported those comments.

“Yapton Parish Council - Objection - Opposition to a proposal of this size/scale in a vulnerable landscape setting with multiple heritage assets. - Intensification of use of the site inappropriate given location next to strategic housing allocation. - No existing and proposed elevations submitted. - Increase in eaves height will significantly alter the character and appearance of the unit. - Height will be dominant and higher than other buildings in the area.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant spoke, and the Senior Planning Officer presented the proposal and explained its planning context.

Committee discussion

Members were advised about the earlier permission, policy changes, the waste consultation and the separation from future open space and playing fields.

“Reference was made to the written update, which highlighted changes to the National Planning Policy Framework, including Policy L2, relating to the efficient use of underused land, and Policy E2, which gave substantial weight to the economic benefits of proposals enabling businesses to invest, expand and adapt.”

“The Senior Planning Officer explained that land to the north and west of the site formed part of the Ford Strategic Allocation and was identified for public open space and playing fields. Given the separation distances and the absence of residential development in these locations, it was not considered that the proposal would have an unacceptable impact on the amenity of future occupiers or users of those areas.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee approved the application conditionally after the recommendation was proposed and seconded and the chair moved to the vote.

“The recommendation was proposed by Councillor Blanchard-Cooper and seconded by Councillor Hamilton.”

“As no Members had and questions or comments, the Chair moved straight to the vote.”

Minutes