Two warehouse units at Land To The North And East Of Bobbits Lane, Wherstead

What was proposed

The application proposed two B8 warehouse units, an internal access road, parking, landscaping, sustainable drainage and associated works.

“Planning Application. Construction of 2no warehouse units (B8 storage), a new internal access road off the existing access road serving the service station, associated parking, boundary landscaping, installation of a sustainable urban drainage scheme and associated works.”

Officer report

Why officers recommended approval

Officers considered the proposal acceptable because it built on an extant permission, supported two businesses and 120 jobs, and addressed concerns through conditions.

“The proposal builds upon an extant permission but delivers non-speculative commercial development with end occupiers in mind. The development will support two existing businesses and deliver 120 jobs on site. There are no consultee or officer concerns, with any outstanding matters of concern being appropriately dealt with via condition.”

“That Members resolve to GRANT planning permission subject to the following obligations, conditions and informatives and any others as may be deemed necessary by the Chief Planning Officer:”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Most consultees raised no objection, while conditions were sought for drainage, highways, lighting, landscaping, ecology, sustainability and other matters.

“National Landscape- comments received 21/08/2025 No objection subject to conditions on: 1) lighting, 2) detailed landscape plans and 3) landscape management.”

“Flood & Water Management- comments received 25/06/2025 No objection subject to conditions on: 1) surface water drainage strategy, 2) construction surface water management plan and 3) surface water drainage verification report.”

Officer report

Public comments

One neutral representation raised concerns about lighting, screening, BREEAM, solar panels, heavy goods vehicles, biodiversity and security.

“At the time of writing this report 1 letter/email/online comment has been received. It is the officer opinion that this represents 1 neutral comment. An update shall be provided as necessary either via Tabled Papers or verbally at the meeting.”

“There is screening but no information provided as to height of lighting or luminaries mounted on building; • Lighting hours should be limited; • Screening should be extended along either end of the building; • BREEAM rating of good is not ambitious enough; • PV panels mentioned but not shown on drawings; • Unsubstantiated claim about PV panels supplying 10% of building’s energy usage; • Maximum number of HGVS going to and from the site should be conditioned; • Biodiversity…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The case officer introduced the application and answered questions, while the agent addressed employment, transport, biodiversity and solar provision.

What members discussed

Members debated solar provision, employment, lighting conditions, cycle access and storage, and the travel plan.

“Members debated the application on issues including: the solar panel provision including whether it meets the requirements of future users, and the employment opportunities to be created by the development.”

“Councillor Beer proposed that the application be approved as detailed in the Officer recommendation. Members continued to debate the application on issues including: the solar PV provision, the employment opportunities, the proposed lighting conditions, the cycle access and storage plans, and the travel plan.”

Minutes

The vote

Councillor Beer proposed approval, Councillor Whyman seconded it with an e-bike charging condition, and the vote was unanimous.

“Councillor Whyman seconded the proposal subject to an additional condition regarding the provision of e-bike charging points. Councillor Beer accepted the additional condition.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

Planning permission was granted with the travel plan monitoring fee, conditions, informatives and an additional requirement for e-bike charging.

“That planning permission be GRANTED subject to the following obligations, conditions and informatives and any others as may be deemed necessary by the Chief Planning Officer:”

“Conditions • Time limit for commencement • Compliance with approved plans • Very good BREEAM certification • Measures to maximise PV provision • Wate efficiency details • Detailed energy strategy • No cooling to warehouse • Surface water drainage strategy • Construction surface water management plan • Surface water drainage verification report • Security measures • Access to be provided • Surface water discharge details for highway • Parking provision • Cycle parking…”

Minutes