70,000-square-metre distribution unit at Former Lounge Disposal Point Ashby Road, Coleorton

What was proposed

The application sought approval for a 70,000-square-metre B8 distribution unit, offices, yards, parking, access, landscaping and drainage infrastructure.

“This is a reserved matters application for the erection of a 70,000 square metre B8 distribution unit with ancillary offices (E(g)(i) (formerly use class B1(a)), service yards and HGV parking, fuel and wash facilities, vehicular and cycle parking, gatehouse(s) and security facilities, plant, hard and soft landscaping including boundary treatments and retaining walls, pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, internal roads, and foul and surface water drainage infrastructure at…”

“Outline permission (all matters reserved) for the erection of Class B8 distribution unit(s) and ancillary offices (B1a), service yards and HGV parking, fuel and wash facilities, vehicular and cycle parking, gatehouse(s) and security facilities, plant, hard and soft landscaping including boundary treatments and retaining walls, pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, internal roads and foul and surface water drainage infrastructure; and…”

Officer report

The officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended permission because the reserved matters were acceptable, policy-compliant and subject to conditions and the existing hybrid permission.

“As set out above, the principle of the development has already been established by way of the hybrid planning permission (19/00652/FULM) and whereby elements of the full part of the permission granted have been implemented on site. The assessment, therefore, is limited to those issues failing within the reserved matters.”

“For the reasons as assessed above, the works proposed under this reserved matters application are considered to be acceptable. There are no other material planning considerations that indicate reserved matters approval should not be granted, particularly given that conditions of the hybrid planning permission would need to be adhered to in developing the site, and accordingly the proposal subject to the imposition of conditions is considered acceptable for the purposes of…”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The Coal Authority objected over coal high walls, while councils raised cycling, traffic, visual, lighting and landscaping concerns; several consultees had no objections.

“The Coal Authority (CA) (Mining Remediation Authority (MRA)) who have commented that conditions 45 and 46 imposed on the hybrid planning permission seek to address the coal legacy of the site and in particular the presence of a coal high wall(s) which would have an associated no-build zone.”

“1) The size and height of the building will impact upon the visual amenity of the area for both Ashby de la Zouch and Coleorton, with the considerable height of the building not being screened by landscaping infrastructure. 2) The number of vehicles potentially allowed to park at the site would suggest that the development would have a significant impact upon the local road network.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Principal Planning Officer presented the application, and the applicant urged approval after describing earlier consideration and site improvements.

Members’ discussion

Members noted limited progress and sought cycling access improvements; officers said the county council controlled the funding and would be made aware.

“A discussion was had during which members noted there had been a lack of progress that had taken place on the site since it was last considered by the Committee. It was highlighted that, while the application complied with all the provisions that had been agreed previously, there was a significant need for access improvements.”

“Members were advised that this was the responsibility of Leicestershire County Council who had confirmed the money was to be spent on improvement plans to get the road network completed. The Head of Planning and Infrastructure advised that Leicestershire County Council would be made aware of the need for cycling improvements.”

Minutes

The vote

Councillor R Canny moved approval, Councillor J Simmons seconded it, and the motion carried with all recorded votes in favour.

“It was moved by Councillor R Canny, seconded by Councillor J Simmons and RESOLVED THAT:”

“Motion to approve the application in accordance with the officer's recommendations (Motion) Councillor Ray Morris For Councillor Dave Bigby For Councillor Rachel Canny For Councillor David Everitt For Councillor John Legrys For Councillor Peter Moult For Councillor Carol Sewell For Councillor Jenny Simmons For Councillor Nigel Smith For Councillor Michael Wyatt For Carried…”

Minutes