Vehicle storage and access road at Land off Prestwold Lane, Prestwold

“This is a retrospective change of use application that seeks permission for part of runway/ apron/ infield at Wymeswold Airfield to be used for storage and distribution for motor vehicles (Use Class B8) with associated buildings/works. In addition, an internal access road is proposed to link onto Burton Road.”

“The proposal seeks a new access road, which would result by upgrading an existing track and connect to Burton Lane to the east. Supporting statements confirm that the proposal will utilise and upgrade the existing access track, which has been in-situ since 2006. The internal access road would provide access and egress to the east and west of the site, rather than solely to west of the site.”

“The application site is an irregular shaped site of approximately 19 ha and forms part of disused Wymeswold Airfield. The site is situated to southwestern end of former Airfield and would consist of two parts, the ‘Western’ section is approximately 13.4ha in size and is part hardstanding and arable field/ grassland with hexagonal rubber matting. Currently, this ‘Western’ section contains a number of unauthorised buildings/ structures and storage of motor vehicles.”

“The ’Eastern’ section of the site is c.5.93 ha and comprises hardstanding area with areas of vegetation/ trees and an existing access track to Burton Road located further to the east. The use of access from Burton Road was approved under application ref: P/20/1515/2 for 4 industrial buildings (19 units) and P/22/1728/2 for erection of 21 industrial units (Class B2/B8 and E(g)).”

“P/20/1515/2 - The erection of 4No. new terraced industrial buildings comprising of 19. industrial units (Class B2/B8), and 2No. office units (Class B1) with associated site works incorporating access, parking, delivery vehicle turning areas and landscaping - Conditional Granted 30th June 2021”

“P/01/08553/2 Use of land west of Prestwold Hall, Wymeswold Airfield and Hangar No. 4 for recreational activities including vehicle driving, carts, quad bikes, Honda pilots, 4x4 course, road and rally training, and siting of 3 temporary buildings. (15ha) (Resubmission - Planning Application P/99/2394/2 refers) – Granted 23/09/2001”

“While the proposal conflicts with national and local planning policies that generally resist commercial development in the open countryside, the context of the former airfield provides strong justification for the proposed development. The site constitutes obvious and significant areas of previously developed land, and there is a recognised operational requirement for large‑scale vehicle storage that cannot realistically be met within settlement boundaries.”

“Having regard to applicable national and local planning policies, and having taken all relevant material considerations into account, it is therefore recommended that planning permission should be granted. It is considered that the development should be supported and complies with local plan policies DS4, CC1, CC2, CC4, EV1, EV6, EV7 and INF1 of Charnwood Local Plan 2021-2037.”

“Consultee Response Environment Agency No objections as the development falls within flood zone 1 and therefore we have no fluvial flood risk concerns associated with the site. .”

“No National Grid Electricity Trasmission assets affected in this area. Leicestershire County Council – Local Highway Authority (LHA) No objections subject to the following conditions: • Access arrangements and visibility splays, as per relevant access detailed, to be implemented prior to occupation. • Details of control measures (i.e.”

“(i) authority be given to the Head of Planning and Growth and the Head of Legal and Electoral Services to enter into an agreement under section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 to secure improvements, on terms to be finalised by the parties, as set out in the report of the Head of Planning and Growth;”

“(ii) subject to the completion of the S106 agreement, planning permission be granted conditionally subject to the imposition of the conditions and reasons set out in the report of the Head of Planning and Growth and as amended in the Extras Report, and that the Head of Planning and Growth, in consultation with the Chair of the Plans Committee for amendments to the conditions and reasons, be given delegated authority to determine the final detail of planning conditions.”