Leisure centre and offices at Land North of William Nadin Way, Stanton, Swadlincote

The site and surroundings

The site is outside Swadlincote’s urban area but immediately beside it, near Coronation Park, a golf course, housing and commercial development.

“The application site lies to the north of the westernmost traffic island on William Nadin Way, south of Coronation Park, as well as the 9-hole golf course and golf driving range. The site is part of a wider, comprehensive regeneration site of the former Cadley Hill Colliery and former open cast workings that have been partially restored.”

“Cadley Park and relatively new housing lies further to the east, with a relatively new housing development located further north of Coronation Park and the golf course, accessed from the new roundabout on Park Road, including a recently approved extension to that site for additional housing of up to 150 homes which extends eastwards to Oversetts Recreation Ground.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

Earlier applications nearby included approved proposals for commercial, leisure, golf and country park parking development.

“(with matters of access to be considered now and all other matters reserved for later consideration) for the erection of a public house/restaurant (sui-generis use), two café/restaurant units (use class E), a 2-storey commercial unit with offices at ground floor (use class E) and gymnasium at first floor (use class E), together with associated works and landscaping; and (2) full planning application for the construction of a car park to serve the country park on - Approved…”

“DMPA/2020/0574 - Extension to golf driving range together with new entrance foyer to existing driving range building, the erection of a golf shop (use class A1), the change of use of land to form an adventure golf course, along with creation of additional parking together with associated works and landscaping - Approved 02.10.2020.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Highways, flood risk, coal and archaeology consultees raised no objections subject to measures, while ecology and National Forest consultees requested further work or planting.

“The National Forest Company Object - Insufficient planting, including the size or width to meet planning guidelines; additional planting required to car park, and additional cycle routes requested. They advise that they welcome the inclusion of timber building internally and externally (24/03/2026).”

“The submitted planting strategy (which includes the provision of over 60 new trees), with n emphasis on native trees is supported and aligns with the National Forest guidance and the Coalfield Village Farmlands Character Area. However, further information on the strategy is required such as the exact species, the size of trees at planning, planting protection measures and future management and maintenance proposals.”

Officer report

Public comments

Two members of the public objected over the need for additional facilities, the project’s timing and mixed-sex changing facilities.

“Two members of the public have objected, raising the following points:”

“More facilities being built in this area when there such facilities in the District near Derby City. The development is being rushed though without waiting for the Council merging to go through. Concerned with the mixed sex changing facilities and the danger that this imposes.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Major Sites Team Leader presented the application, and Councillor K Storey supported its improvements as the local ward member.

Members’ discussion

Members discussed planting, transport, reorganisation, solar panels and the site’s distance from the town centre before commending the application.

“Members considered the Application and sought clarity regarding National Forest tree planting, a shuttle bus service, the impact of Local Government Reorganisation and the use of solar panels on a car park roof.”

“The Major Sites Team Leader clarified that lengthy discussions were taking place with the County Council and the Development Team regarding shuttle buses as well as pedestrians and cycle access and that national tree planting would be onsite as much as possible and within the area of Swadlincote. The Committee was advised it would be a flexible office scheme with civic facilities, and that Local Government Reorganisation was not considered a planning matter.”

Minutes

The committee decision

Planning permission was approved in line with the officer recommendation, with part c of condition 26 removed.

“The Committee was advised of a proposed amendment to remove part c of condition 26 regarding the survey for Great Crested Newts, officers were content it could go to District level with Natural England.”

“RESOLVED: That planning permission be approved as per the recommendations in the report of the Head of Planning subject to amendment to condition 26 with the removal of part c.”

Minutes