Employment floorspace variation at Land in the Western Part of Basford East, Crewe

What was proposed

The application sought to increase permitted warehouse and distribution floorspace from 73,065 square metres to 111,320 square metres without increasing total floorspace.

“This application seeks approval under S73 of the Town and Country Planning Act to vary condition 3 of the outline element of hybrid planning approval 23/0539N.This is to enable the amendment of the approved Maximum Quantum and Use Class Parameters Plan and thereby increase the proportion of Use Class B8 (Warehouse and Distribution) floorspace within the development from 73,065 sq.m to a total of 111,320 sq.m.”

“The proposed change will not increase the overall level of floorspace permitted across the site by the hybrid planning permission nor any other charges to the design and layout of the scheme approved by 23/0539N.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is a large greenfield area of about 40 hectares beside railways, roads, a wildlife site, housing and public footpaths.

“The application site is a large greenfield which extends to approximately 40 hectares of formerly redundant land which includes a range of mature trees, hedgerows and several small surface ponds.”

“The western boundary of the site adjoins the West Coast main railway line. The southern site boundary site extends up to the A500 Hough-Shavington by-pass with open countryside beyond. The Stoke on Trent/Nottingham railway passes close to the northern site boundary, beyond which lies Weston Road that is lined by commercial units and warehousing.”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

The change was considered acceptable because of market demand, economic benefits, acceptable access, manageable environmental effects and retained office provision.

“The mix of employment uses now proposed represents a further departure from Policy LPS 2, specifically in relation to increased provision of proposed Class B8 use floorspace and the potential reduction in Class B2 /Class E(g) light industrial / manufacturing floorspace.”

“On this basis, the proposal constitutes sustainable development which would bring environmental, economic and social benefits and is therefore considered to be acceptable in the context of the Development Plan, and advice contained within the NPPF.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent attended the meeting and made representations about the application.

The committee decision

The committee approved the application subject to completing a deed varying the earlier agreement and imposing the listed conditions.

“That application 25/3772/VOC be APPROVED as detailed in the Officer’s report and subject to the prior completion of a Deed of Variation to the S106 Agreement of 23/0539N, and the following conditions;”

“Reserved matters application to provide a detailed design for the proposed reptile mitigation area as detailed in the outline application submissions, including fencing and access for maintenance 24. Entry into Natural England’s District Level licencing scheme prior to commencement of works on site 25. Submission of updated badger survey in support of any future reserved matters application 26.”

Minutes