Agenda item

Land North of Hilltop Farm, Hill Top, Castle Donington.

Land North of Hilltop Farm, Hill Top, Castle Donington.

Officer’s Recommendation: Permit, subject to Section 106 obligations, and subject to conditions.

The Principal Planning Officer presented the report.

Mark Rogers, speaking as parish councillor on behalf of Castle Donington Parish Council, addressed the Committee. He stated that the application did not take suitable alternative sites into consideration. He expressed doubt as to whether the proposed development adhered to several Local Plan policies and noted that it could cause a risk to life and an increase of traffic. He urged the Committee to refuse the application.

Julia Redfearn, speaking as an objector, addressed the Committee. She expressed concern over the potential the development had to increase traffic in the village and exacerbate highway safety. She stated she did not believe the development was vital for employment and emphasised the importance of maintaining green belts in the area.

Jon Imber, speaking as the agent on behalf of JMI Planning Ltd, addressed the Committee. He spoke in support of the application and noted that the proposed development was fully compliant with local and national policies. He encouraged the Committee to approve the application.

After the planning officers addressed several questions of clarity, a discussion was had during which members put forward arguments both for and against the application. They questioned the weight of Policy Ec4 which promoted growth of the neighbouring East Midlands Airport: if the application was approved, this policy would not be as effective.

The Planning and Development Team Manager replied that Policy Ec4 received a number of objections as part of recent consultations and that the policy carried little weight at this stage. It was confirmed that an option was to defer the application.

Members also questioned the immediate demand for this site, noting a recent increase in industrial developments being built across the District, with some raising concern about how this would impact surrounding villages. It was commented that the signs which advised HGV drivers of alternative routes could not be effectively enforced, and that, if the application were deferred, different access to the site from the relief road would be an area to be investigated.

The Legal Advisor made members aware that if they did decide to defer the application, it would risk an appeal for non-determination.

Councillor D Bigby moved that the application be deferred to allow for clarification following further investigation of immediate demand, site access from the relief road and additional weight restriction signage. It was seconded by Councillor C Sewell.

The Chair put the motion to the vote. A recorded vote being required, the voting was as detailed below.

RESOLVED THAT:

The application be deferred to allow for clarification following further investigation of immediate demand, site access from the relief road and additional weight restriction signage.

Having declared a registerable interest in the next item, Councillor R Boam left the Chamber.

In the absence of the Chair and Deputy Chair, Councillor P Moult moved that Councillor J Simmons be appointed as Chair for the remainder of the meeting. It was seconded by Councillor M Burke and

RESOLVED THAT:

Councillor J Simmons be appointed as Chair for the remainder of the meeting.