Temporary contractor yard at NPK Access Solutions UK Ltd, Radley

What was proposed

The application sought six years of temporary use of existing buildings and yard for offices, parking, workshops, HGVs, road mats and storage.

“The application being made is seek temporary permission to carry out use of buildings and yard for a road contractor's business. The period for which consent is sought would end on 21st February 2032; 6 years. Use of the site has continued since the previous temporary permission expired in 2021.”

“The site will be used for office space (re-use of existing buildings, with relocation of the use into other buildings in Curtis Yard), staff parking area, workshop, HGV / trailer parking, turning area and storage area. Primarily the use involves the storage and washing down of large road mats, with HGVs being brought onto site to assist with transfer of the mats between construction sites.”

Officer report

The site and its surroundings

The site is a 1.15-hectare yard accessed from Thrupp Lane, beside residential areas, leisure facilities, gravel workings and Radley Lakes.

“Site context The application site is located on the eastern edge of Abingdon, accessed from Thrupp Lane which exits onto Radley Road, on the western edge of Radley. To the west of the site is Abingdon White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre (pedestrian access is possible to the rear of the centre via Barton Lane). Residential development along Audlett Drive is located to the north.”

“The application site comprises an area of approximately 1.15ha of Curtis Yard (to the north of the wider gravel site), with the access road in addition to this. The site sits to the north of the wider gravel pit area / Radley Lakes. Nearby site uses, associated with the gravel pit, is as following:”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the temporary use would not prevent restoration, harm Green Belt openness, materially increase traffic or adversely affect amenity.

“PLANNING BALANCE AND CONCLUSION 9.1 The site is located in an edge of town location, and given its proximity to the settlement and facilities, is accessible without solely relying on private transport. The temporary use would not conflict with the cessation date of 2042, when the mineral conditions require the winning and working of minerals to end, and would not prevent a restoration or aftercare scheme being submitted within the required timeframe.”

“The development would result in some noise generation, but the impact would be minimal. Given the separation distances and the manner in which the site would operate, the impact would not adversely affect the amenity of occupants in the immediate area. Subject to being secured as a personal permission, the development would not result in a material increase in vehicle movements, or put pressure on the highway network, or result in harm to highway safety.”

Officer report

Consultees and public objections

Highways, the Environment Agency and specialist council officers raised no technical objection, while the parish council and residents objected on safety, amenity, Green Belt and restoration grounds.

“Representation Comments Radley Parish Council Objection The Council agrees with comments made in objection to this application. The population of the village has expanded hugely in the last 5 years leading to an increase in the number of people accessing the Lakes via Thrupp Lane. The impact of the traffic generated by this application on their safety should be considered. Oxfordshire County Council – Highways…”

“That continued use may now harm the openness and character of the Green Belt in a way it previously did not (based on removal of natural screening). Amenity That the application contains no adequate assessment of amenity impacts, including noise, vibration, dust, emissions and cumulative effects. That the HGV movements will produce noise, dust, and emissions, exacerbated by the transport of mats which may be dirty or dusty.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A parish council representative spoke against the application, and the agent spoke in support.

What members debated

Members discussed restoration timing, highway and cycle safety, traffic control, Green Belt openness, the neighbourhood plan and the continuation of commercial activity.

“Members questioned the weight given to Green Belt considerations, including whether reduced tree cover in the wider area had increased visual impact. Officers advised that Green Belt assessment was concerned with openness, and the proposal involved only existing buildings and hardstanding with no new development. The operational use was comparable to the previous temporary permission and therefore did not cause additional harm.”

“Members referred to long-standing concerns about the suitability of the lane for mixed industrial and cycle use. Officers reiterated that these issues related to the wider area outside the red-line boundary and that several commercial operators used Thrupp Lane. The planning assessment for this application needed to consider whether this specific proposal had an unacceptable impact, and highways advice had confirmed that it did not.”

Minutes

The vote and decision

A motion to approve was carried, and permission was granted until 21 February 2032 with approved plans and a personal condition.

“A motion, moved and seconded, to approve the application was carried on being put to the vote…”

“Temporary use of buildings and land – 6 years (until 21 February 2032) 2. Approved plans list 3. Personal permission to applicant…”

Minutes