19,000sqm employment development at Land to the north of Gallagher Retail Park, Scunthorpe

The site and surroundings

The 5.1-hectare site is agricultural land north of Gallagher Retail Park, near residential areas, commercial uses, drainage ditches and the A1077.

“The site is not within a conservation area, and there are no listed buildings or tree preservation orders within the site or within close proximity. The site is currently agricultural land that is under crop rotation. ASSESSMENT Context, site and proposal The current proposal is on a 5.1 hectare site and has been submitted by Lindum Group who are the owners of the site.”

“Retail properties to the south of the site include Teso, Aldi, TK Maxx and B&Q, whilst further to the south of the site on Jack Brownsword Way are additional commercial properties including food outlets like McDonalds, Pizza Hut and KFC, alongside retail properties comprising Marks and Spencer and Boots. Leisure facilities, including Scunthorpe Utd Football Club, Travelodge and the Old Farmhouse Pub, add to the mix of commercial and leisure facilities.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

An earlier outline permission for housing, open space, a primary school and landscaping was approved in 2009 but was not implemented and expired.

“RELEVANT PLANNING HISTORY PA/2007/0828: Outline planning permission for residential development, open space, a primary school and associated landscaping (access not reserved for subsequent approval) – approved 17.06.2009. This permission was not implemented and has now expired. CONSTRAINTS The site is within SFRA flood zone 3.”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the housing allocation undeliverable, while employment use supported economic growth and could be made acceptable through conditions.

“Subject to the imposition of appropriate conditions, should Members be minded to approve, requiring the submission of a Species Protection Plan and a Biodiversity Net Gain and Management Plan, this element of the proposal is considered to fully comply with both national and local planning policy.”

“This evidence comes in the form of the 2009 lapsed planning consent for the site that was never brought forward and highlighted in the updated evidence base that forms part of the Strategic Housing and Employment Land Allocation 2021 that considers the site is no longer suitable for residential development with emphasis upon viability and flood risk cited as the principal concerns and further continues to state that the site is suitable for employment.”

Officer report

Councillors’ concerns

Councillors raised concerns about traffic, congestion, accident risk and proximity to homes, while noting that conditions or future transport changes might help.

The committee’s discussion

Members considered whether traffic concerns could be managed through conditions, including changes to the egress road and discussions with highways and landowners.

“Cllr Gosling also raised concerns about traffic in the area, particularly at peak times. Cllr Gosling stated that any increase in traffic would increase the risk of accidents, further congestion, and adverse impact on residents.”

“Cllr Ross felt that the concerns could be dealt with via conditions, such as amending the road layout at the egress road adjacent to the B&Q store. Cllr Davison agreed that conditions could assist and that discussions with highways and the car park owners could potentially improve traffic flows.”

Minutes

The vote

A motion to grant permission in accordance with the officer recommendation was proposed, seconded and carried.

“It was then moved by Cllr C Ross and seconded by Cllr J Davison –”

“That planning permission be granted in accordance with the recommendations contained within the officer’s report.”

Minutes