Agenda item

Representatives of the Applicant, Panattoni, outlined details of the planning application for the site. The site was approximately 12.7 hectares of brownfield land which had previously been used for general industrial purposes.  The proposal was divided into two defining elements:

Northern part of the site  - construction of up to 71,535 sqm of floor for business purposes falling under B2 (General Industry), B8 (Storage or Distribution) Use classes and Data Centre (Sui Generis Use Class)

Southern part of the site – construction of up to 1,000 residential flats at an indicative mix of 279 x 1 bed flats; 272 x 2 bed; 274 x 3 bed; 44 x 4 bed.

A public consultation was carried out in September 2019 with only 25 attendees. A website regarding the development had also been established.

Members raised a number of issues in the ensuing question and answer session:

·  Members stated that the affordable housing element of the scheme to be fully compliant with Council policy and the Applicant’s representatives noted that whilst every effort would be made to comply with policy, the remediation costs of the site were likely to be significant.

·  It was noted that extensive works would be required to ensure that the site was safe for development and the Committee were informed that the Applicant had experience of working on similar sites.

·  Referring to the poor response to the consultation, a Member suggested that, given the demographics of the area, other options should be explored for public engagement.

·  It was confirmed that the existing single entry and exit points to the site would be improved. 

At the conclusion of the discussion, the presentation was noted.

Resolved –  That the pre-application presentation be noted.