Cold store expansion at Constellation Cold Logistics Park Lane Industrial Estate Park Lane Wolverhampton

What was proposed

The application proposed a new cold store, an extension, plant changes, offices, welfare facilities, parking, servicing and supporting infrastructure.

“Proposal Erection of new cold store facility, extension to existing facility and reconfiguration of existing plant, alongside associated landscaping, parking and servicing and other supporting infrastructure.”

“The southern part of the site includes a cleared area of land which is currently vacant. Large industrial warehouse buildings are located centrally within the Constellation Cold Logistics (CLL) site and are set back from Park Lane. Whilst these buildings are within the applicant’s ownership and form part of the wider CLL operations, they are generally shown outside the submitted red-line boundary and do not form part of this application.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The occupied logistics site covers about 10.38 acres, with industry nearby, homes along parts of its boundary, a nursery and a railway footbridge.

“Summary Recommendation 1.1 That delegated authority be granted to the Director of City Development to approve planning application 26/00282/FUL, subject to the completion of a Section 106 agreement, the imposition of appropriate planning conditions and informatives, and the satisfactory resolution of outstanding drainage, transportation, biodiversity and Network Rail (level-crossing) matters.”

“The surrounding area contains a mix of uses. Industrial and business premises lie to the south of the site, including the National Express West Midlands Bus Depot on adjoining land and the Bluebird Industrial Estate to the south. The rear gardens of residential properties along Guy Avenue and Showell Road adjoin parts of the northern and north-eastern boundary.”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended delegated approval, subject to biodiversity, drainage, Network Rail and other matters being resolved and conditions being imposed.

“The proposal has also been assessed in terms of highway impact, access and servicing and is considered acceptable in principle, subject to recommended conditions, informatives and the resolution of outstanding detailed matters.”

“Prior to the grant of planning permission, the following matters must be resolved 1. Biodiversity Net Gain, including: • securing any required off-site biodiversity units for a minimum period of 30 years through a completed Section 106 agreement; • evidence that the off-site biodiversity units have been registered and allocated to the development on the statutory biodiversity gain site register; and • submission and approval of a final Biodiversity Gain Plan, including…”

Officer report

Main planning issues

Officers assessed the employment use, design, landscape, biodiversity, residential amenity, highways, access, parking, drainage and flood risk.

“Appraisal 10.1 The key issues in this case are • Principle of Development and Proposed Uses • Design, Character and Appearance • Landscape, Trees, Ecology and Biodiversity Net Gain • Residential Amenity • Access and Parking • Drainage and Flood Risk…”

Officer report

Consultes’ views

Transportation raised no objection subject to works and conditions, while the flood authority initially objected and Network Rail required safeguards and further level-crossing comments.

“Scale and Suitability: The development is considered by objectors to be too large and incompatible with the surrounding residential area. • Cumulative Impact: Concerns that the proposal would exacerbate existing industrial and environmental pressures on the area. • Other Matters: Some representations raise concerns regarding biodiversity, adequacy of supporting technical information and conflict with planning policy and local regeneration objectives.”

“Network Rail – No objection in principle (subject to safeguards) • The site is located adjacent to the operational railway and close to a level crossing, and therefore requires appropriate safeguards. • Network Rail confirm that no works can commence until a formal Asset Protection Agreement (BAPA) is in place and approved by Network Rail, with ongoing supervision of the development.”

Officer report

Who spoke

An individual speaking in support addressed the committee.

Members’ debate

Members discussed local jobs, energy, vegetation, disturbance, drainage and pedestrian safety, while officers explained proposed controls and follow-up actions.

“The report was considered by Committee, and concerns were raised regarding the allocation of local jobs, energy sources, overgrown vegetation, disturbance to local residents and drainage issues.”

“The Section Leader responded to concerns raised and stated the following: 1. The council would work with the developer to secure maximum benefits for local people and condition a targeted recruitment and training program. 2. The council’s 10% renewable energy requirement had been reached but officers would work with the developer to see if more than 10% could be delivered. 3.”

Minutes

The committee’s vote

Councillor Paul Sweet moved the recommendations and Councillor Sally Garner seconded them before the committee resolved the application.

“Councillor Paul Sweet moved the recommendations within the report and Councillor Sally Garner seconded the recommendations.”

“Resolved: That delegated authority be granted to the Director of City Development to approve planning application 26/00282/FUL, subject to the satisfactory resolution of the matters set out below, and the imposition of appropriate planning conditions and informatives.”

Minutes