Rural business hub at Hill Farm Main Road Oddington, Upper Oddington

What was proposed

The application proposed replacing, partly converting and remodelling industrial buildings into a rural business hub with landscaping and consolidated parking.

“Replacement, part conversion and remodelling of existing General/Heavy Industrial buildings/site with a Rural Business Hub including associated landscaping and consolidated parking at Hill Farm Main Road Oddington Gloucestershire…”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site contains industrial buildings, a bungalow and agricultural land in open countryside within the Cotswolds National Landscape and the setting of a conservation area.

“The application site comprises a collection of modern agricultural buildings currently used for B2 industrial purposes, a bungalow, and surrounding agricultural land extending to approximately 1.6 hectares. Land to the west of the buildings has been levelled and is used for parking and storage, including a number of storage containers. Overall, the site slopes gently from west to east.”

“The site lies within the Cotswolds National Landscape. The Oddington Conservation Area is located approximately 40 metres to the south of the site and terminates on the southern side of the A436. As such, the site lies within the setting of the Conservation Area.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

Earlier permissions established residential, industrial and flexible employment uses, while two outdoor events proposals were refused and a replacement dwelling was permitted.

“22/04303/FUL - Erection of a marquee pavilion, installation of outdoor lighting structures and installation of other 'pod' structures for a temporary period each calendar year from 30 April to 1 October to facilitate outdoor leisure events - Refused 14/09/2023;”

“23/03675/FUL - Change of use of existing general/heavy industrial site (use class B2) to flexible use (use class E(g)i [offices] and E(g)iii [light industrial]) - Permitted 14/08/2024;”

Officer report

Public speaking and questions

The agent described a lower-impact employment redevelopment supporting local jobs, sustainability, biodiversity and landscape improvements; members asked about building height and traffic.

Debate and decision

Members welcomed the employment units and use of the site, proposed permission, and the committee permitted the application after a vote.

“Member comments • Few significant highways concerns had been raised. • The employment units were welcomed as a positive addition. • The proposal was considered a good use of the site/land. Councillor Patrick Coleman proposed to PERMIT the application and Councillor David Fowles seconded the proposal. The proposal was put to the vote and agreed by the Committee.”

Minutes