Two light industrial units at Chase Farm, North Weald Bassett, Epping

The site and surroundings

The site is a former farm complex containing workshops and storage units, with shared access from Vicarage Lane and a public footpath along its eastern boundary.

“Site and Surroundings Chase Farm is located within the North Weald Bassett Masterplan Area and is identified as NWB.R4 in the adopted Local Plan. The site comprises of workshops and storage units of various sizes and heights. The units form part of an isolated former farm complex that contains similar units, several of which are in use for commercial purposes following the grant of planning permissions. Various businesses (i.e.”

“Access and egress to the site is off Vicarage Lane and shared with The Acorns, Carlton House and Nursery and other businesses that occupies the units at Chase Farm complex. Public Right of Way Footpath North Weald Bassett No. 38 runs along the eastern boundary of the site.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

Earlier permissions allowed storage, workshops and light industrial uses, while two applications for wider or different uses were refused and dismissed on appeal.

“EPF/0478/06 - Change of use of redundant agricultural outbuildings for B8 storage with ancillary B1 purposes. Approved with Conditions • EPF/0507/06 - Installation of driveway and entrance. Approved with Conditions • EPF/2107/09 - Retrospective application for change of use of buildings to B1, B2, B8 and car repairers. Refused and dismissed on appeal (APP/J1535/A/2148395).”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the proposal would enhance an existing employment site, replace or infill existing buildings and could be controlled by conditions.

“Principle of Development Policy E1 of the adopted Local Plan states that the Council will seek to retain and enhance existing employment sites and premises for their existing authorised use and encourage proposals for the redevelopment, renewal, extension, or intensification of existing employment sites. The proposal is therefore acceptable in principle subject to other material considerations below.”

“Unit 1 – Rectangular Unit The application site is currently occupied by an existing building with vehicles stationed to the front. The perimeter of the site is enclosed by a mixture of corrugated sheets (acting as boundary treatment) with a security fence at the entrance. The proposal will simply be replacing the existing building on this site with a modern rectangular unit.”

Officer report

Main planning issues

Officers considered design, residential amenity, highways, effects on the conservation area and the relationship with the allocated masterplan site.

“Residential Amenity Whilst there is no confirmation regarding the type of business to be occupying the units proposed, it is important to note that operations under Use Class E - Commercial, Business and Service (The Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2020).”

“Whilst the site is included within the residential allocation for NWB.R4, there is no evidence submitted before the Council that the employment use of this site will cease at any time soon. In addition, the masterplan for the allocation site has been designed around this site, as there has never been a guarantee it will come forward for housing, so it is considered that on this basis a departure from the allocation is on balance acceptable.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The committee heard a presentation from the planning officer and a representation from North Weald Parish Council.

Members discussed the application

Members discussed the planning merits of the application after receiving the officer presentation and parish council representation.

“Members of the Committee received a presentation from the Planning Officer and a representation from North Weald Parish Council. The Committee discussed the planning merits of the application.”

Minutes

The committee vote

The committee voted to approve the application with conditions.

“The Committee voted to APPROVE the application with conditions.”

Minutes

The decision and conditions

Planning permission was approved because the proposal supported business growth and complied with other adopted plan policies, subject to conditions controlling noise, hours, deliveries and parking.

“The adopted Local Plan and the NPPF (2024) supports the growth and expansion of businesses and enterprise in rural areas, and the proposal for the construction of two light industrial units would contribute to meeting such objectives. Despite the allocation under NWB.R4, as outlined above, on balance, the proposal complies with other policies contained within the adopted Local Plan (2023). Approval of the application is therefore recommended.”

“Site Location Plan – PL01 • Existing Site Plan – PL03 • Proposed Elevations & Site Sections – PL14 Rev A • Proposed Block Plan – PL12 • Proposed Floor Plan – PL15 • Existing Block Plan – PL02 • Proposed Site Plan – PL13 Rev A • Noise Impact Assessment prepared by NOVA Acoustics Ltd dated 6 January 2026 • Planning Statement prepared by Peter George Town Planning dated April 2025”

Officer report