Car auction use at Coombelands Park, Milton Ernest

“This application seeks retrospective planning permission for the change of use to allow for the site to be used for in person car auctions.”

“The application seeks retrospective planning permission for the change of use to allow the building on site and areas of hardstanding (which comprise 9,900 sqm at the centre of the site), to be used for in person car auctions and for parking for both customers and visitors. The auction operation is part of an expansion of the existing site occupiers (G3) business. No external works are included as part of this application.”

“The application site, Coombelands Park, is an established employment site that until recently had been occupied as a car storage and vehicle preparation centre by the online used car retailer Cazoo. Based on the information submitted to support the application, following sustained financial difficulties, Cazoo formally went into administration and the applicant G3 Vehicle Auctions took over the site (May 2024).”

“The site is located in a rural / open countryside location and is largely a flat tarmac area used for storage of vehicles. In addition to this, the site also includes a single building (circa 3000m2 of floorspace), which although taller than single storey, contains no first- floor accommodation. The site is accessed via a single vehicular access drive leading to Thurleigh Road. The site is well screened on all sides by existing mature hedgerows and trees.”

“The application is for a retrospective change of use to allow for in person auctions to be contained and operated within the existing building on the site. There are no physical changes proposed on the site.”

“There are no unacceptable impacts arising in relation to neighbouring amenity and no concerns are raised with regard to flood risk, drainage, ecology or biodiversity impacts.”

“Based on the information provided and above comments, HDC has no objection. Env Health & Trading Standards The Environmental Health Service has reviewed the above application and has no objection to the application.”

“Two representations have been received from residents, one raising an objection, while the second has made an observation. The comments are summarised below:”

“- 8 - *Noise and traffic created will impact on our lives in a negative way. *Impact on wildlife around the immediate area will suffer. Specific comments have been made relating to bats and newts. *There is an order on farmland surrounding with restriction not to use it for any noisy, noxious or offensive trade or business.”

“The development hereby approved shall be carried out in accordance with the plans and documents listed on this notice, unless required otherwise by a separate planning condition of this permission. REASON: To provide certainty on what is being authorised by this permission. The site shall operate in accordance with the approved details submitted within the Operational Management Plan (LPA Doc. Ref. V14).”

“- 19 - 04. No external loudspeakers, public address systems, outdoor music, or any other form of externally-audible amplified sound shall be installed, operated or broadcast at the site at any time, unless specifically granted by a separate planning permission.”

“The Senior Planner advised that there had been no updates since the publication of the report.”

“That permission be granted in respect of the above application in accordance with the recommendation of the Head of Planning and Building Control.”