Employment land and access at Land At Godfrey Drive, Winthorpe

What was proposed

Outline permission was sought for up to 41,806 square metres of employment land, with roads, landscaping, drainage, a footpath diversion and a new showground access.

“Report Summary Application No. 23/02281/OUTM Proposal Outline Planning Permission (all matters reserved) for up to 41,806sqm of Employment land (use class B2, B8 and E(g) (i), (ii) and (iii) with associated internal access roads, landscaping and drainage. Diversion of existing footpath and creation of new access into Newark Showground.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The 9.21-hectare site lies between Godfrey Drive and the A46, includes former aerodrome land and a footpath, and is partly within a mixed-use allocation.

“The Site 1.1 The application site relates to an approximate 9.21 hectares plot of land between Godfrey Drive (to the south) and the A46 (to the north west). Godfrey Drive serves the development on what is known as Overfield Park. The site was historically part of the Winthorpe Aerodrome used during the war. More recently, part of the site has been used in association with the adjacent golf course and the pitch and putt area operated by Newark Golf Centre.”

“Development in the area includes the Showground to the north east as well as commercial buildings such as Farol Ltd, an agricultural machinery dealership. Further to the east is the Wirtgen Group House. To the south of the site, at the roundabout of Godfrey Drive is a Starbucks coffee house and drive thru. Further south (beyond the A17) is Newlink Business Park occupied by the Currys/Knowhow Distribution Centre.”

Officer report

Earlier planning decisions

Earlier permissions covered golf-course-related uses, nearby employment and commercial development, while a nearby employment proposal was initially refused but later allowed on appeal.

“08/01857/FUL - Change of use of golf driving range and 9 hole golf course to grassed overspill car park and use of building for storage. Approved 28.10.2008.”

“20/01452/OUTM- Development of site for distribution uses, including ancillary offices and associated works including vehicular and pedestrian access, car parking and landscaping. Refused by Members (contrary to Officers) due to impact on open countryside 03.11.2021 but subsequently allowed at appeal by decision dated 29.11.2022.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because economic benefits and job creation outweighed limited heritage harm and tree loss, with highway and other impacts controlled by conditions.

“The economic benefits of the proposal however would be significant, and therefore would be a public benefit that would outweigh the harm to the setting of the conservation area (in line with paragraph 215 of the NPPF), as well as the loss of trees.”

“There are similarities between this application and the appeal which was allowed for Newlink Business Park due to the economic benefits, however it is noted that the appeal site was located within the open countryside. The officer recommendation was for approval at the time however the decision to refuse was a committee overturn.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent spoke in support of the application, and members received a presentation from the senior planning officer.

The committee vote

The committee unanimously agreed to approve planning permission subject to the conditions in the report.

“AGREED (unanimously) that Planning Permission be approved subject to the conditions contained in the report.”

Minutes