Market parking at North Weald Airfield, North Weald Bassett

What was proposed

The application sought five-year temporary permission to use 2.3 hectares for market parking and ancillary uses, without physical development.

“The application seeks temporary planning permission for a five-year period for the use of 2.3 hectares of land at North Weald Airfield for parking associated with the established North Weald Market. This follows the loss of existing market parking land to Google for the development of a data centre. No physical development is proposed, and existing access and traffic management arrangements will remain unchanged.”

“Permission is sought for the change of use of the land to parking and ancillary uses associated with North Weald market for a temporary period of 5 years.”

Officer report

The site and market

The site adjoins the established outdoor market at North Weald Airfield, which operates on Saturdays and Bank Holiday Mondays.

“The application site covers 2.3 hectares of land located adjoining the southwestern area lawfully used as an outdoor market and,100m west of Hurricane Way. This land was formally part of the North Weald Airfield.”

“The North Weald Outdoor Market has been operating for over 20 years and takes place every Saturday from 0800-1600 and on each Bank Holiday Monday.”

Officer report

Earlier market permissions

Earlier permissions covered outdoor markets, associated parking, market relocation and continued market use, with a later lawful development certificate.

“DC/EPF/0008/92 Relocation of the existing regular markets to the closed section of the East/West runway and adjoining land. (Runway 13 & adj land) FILE AA Granted EPF/1204/92 Use of land for stationing and use of compactor unit to serve North Weald Market. FILE AA Granted EPF/0956/97 Use of hangar No.3 apron for regular Saturday markets. Use of East end of Runway 13/31 for market stalls and associated car parking and use of show ground grassed area for car parking.”

“EPF/1916/14 Continued use of part of airfield for Saturday and Bank Holiday outdoor markets with associated car parking. Granted EPF/2112/19 Application for a Lawful Development Certificate for an Existing use of North Weald Market. Lawful…”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because reduced stall numbers would reduce traffic, existing management would continue, and temporary permission would allow monitoring.

“In terms of access and management, Gate A will remain the primary entry and exit point for the market, with Gate D available as an overflow option if needed. The applicant acknowledges that a major advertising campaign in 2024 significantly increased attendance and congestion, but notes that all advertising has since been withdrawn, leading to a sharp decline in visitor numbers and reduced traffic problems.”

“The Market provides local people with opportunities for employment, leisure and retail and is therefore supported by the Local Plan. This application for the relocation of parking is required to secure the continued operation of North Weald Market while parts of the airfield are redeveloped for employment uses.”

Officer report

Consultation and objections

Essex County Council Highways raised no objection, while the Parish Council objected that reduced parking could worsen congestion and affect local businesses.

“The applicant has responded to the Parish Council’s concerns about the loss of market parking due to the proposed data centre. Although 6.8 hectares will be taken for the new development, the market will still retain 6.7 hectares of land, including new parking areas. The market’s operational area is already smaller than its lawful boundary, and under the revised plan the number of stalls will be reduced by 31%, while parking will be reduced by only 9.6%.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The committee heard from the Planning Officer, the objector, the applicant and a Parish Councillor.

Members discussed the application

Members discussed the planning merits of the application after receiving the presentation and representations.

“The Committee then discussed the planning merits of the application.”

Minutes

The committee voted

The committee voted for the officer’s recommendation to approve the application.

“The Committee then voted for the officer’s recommendation to approve the application.”

Minutes