Two industrial buildings at Plots 9 & 12 Leconfield Industrial Estate, Cleator Moor

What is proposed

Two buildings would provide 6,356 square metres of general industrial and ancillary office space, with parking, landscaping, infrastructure and biodiversity enhancements.

“Application Type: Full Planning Permission Application Address: Plots 9 & 12 Leconfield Industrial Estate, Cleator Moor.”

“Proposal Erection of 2 no buildings for B2 general industrial and ancillary office use, comprising 6,356sqm GEA floorspace, with associated car parking, hard and soft landscaping, infrastructure and biodiversity enhancements.”

Officer report

The site

The site forms part of an established industrial estate and includes a vacant construction zone and a separate biodiversity offsetting area.

“Leconfield, an established industrial estate. comprises 17.6ha in area and is strategically located within Cleator Moor, between the town centre and the built-up area to the north-west. It forms part of what is known as Cleator Moor Innovation Quarter (CMIQ), a 'business cluster' for the new nuclear and clean energy sectors, as a focus for collaboration, innovation and diversification.”

“The application site is in two parts. The main site (construction zone) is centrally located within the Estate, currently vacant and relatively level. It amounts to some 3.52 ha. and is served by two existing accesses off the estate’s main spine road. This part of the site is bounded to the north by an existing building part of which is occupied by a garage business, the spine road to the west facing Brannan’s factory opposite and a vacant plot to the far east.”

Officer report

Relevant site history

Earlier permissions covered a temporary mock chimney and other industrial estate works, while the mock chimney activity remained under investigation after its permission expired.

“Relevant Planning Application History Most Relevant 4/22/2256/0F1 - temporary planning permission for the SPIDA site. Permission was granted on 2 September 2022 for temporary construction, testing and demolition of a mock chimney structure, erection of a demolition platform and associated works. This site is immediately adjacent to the proposed development area for Plots 9 & 12.”

“4/24/2236/0B1 Variation of Condition 2 (time period) of 4/22/2256/0F1 Temporary construction, testing and demolition of a mock chimney structure, erection of a demolition platform and associated works. This was approved and extended the time period of the temporary consent until 9 February 2026. The chimney / associated work activity however is still on site and have hence breached their planning permission. This is currently being investigated.”

Officer report

Public representations

The application was advertised and nearby properties were notified, but no public comments had been received.

“The application was advertised by way of a site notice and a press advert. Individual letters of notification were sent to the nearest properties/ occupied units neighbouring the site. To date no comments have been received.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent spoke in support of the application.

Committee discussion

A member asked whether the highway contribution would address the mini-roundabout, and officers said it would contribute to planned highway upgrades including the roundabout.

“A Member raised a concern regarding the mini roundabout and questioned if the contribution would address the issue. In response the Head of Planning and Place advised Members that it had been acknowledged that the access was not appropriate and that the local plan identifies a number of improvements to the highway infrastructure within Cleator Moor which would include the roundabout.”

Minutes

The vote

A motion to accept the officer recommendation was seconded and approved by seven votes to none, with no abstentions.

“Following consideration of the application a Member moved to accept the Officer’s recommendation. This was seconded and a vote was taken.”

Minutes

The decision

The application was approved subject to conditions, delegated authority and a legal agreement securing the travel plan and two highway contributions.

“RESOLVED – That the application be approved subject to the conditions set out below with delegated authority given to the Service Manager for Development and Implementation to add and/or make any amendments to the conditions as considered appropriate and agree a legal agreement between the relevant parties to secure:”

“a travel plan monitoring fee of £6,600 and • a contribution of £74,032 towards the highway improvements at Moresby Road/Cleator Moor Road/Main Street and • a contribution of £30,039 towards the cost of junction improvement works at ‘Cleator Moor Road/Overend Road…”

Minutes